v. 




Glass H.S 3 9T 



y 



THE 



MYSTIC CIRCLE, 



AND 



AMERICAN HAND-BOOK OF MASONRY. 



CONTAINING 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FREE MASON- \ CONSTITUTIONAL RULES. 

RT IN EUROPE AND AMERICA- RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, AND OPI- 

STMBOLIC CHART. NIONS OF GRAND LODGES AND 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS OF THE 

GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND. 
AHIMAN REZON. 



ENLIGHTENED MASONS ON QUES- 
TIONS LIABLE TO ARISE IN SUB- 
ORDINATE LODGES. 



A CODE OF BY-LAWS FOR SUBORDINATE LODGES. 
INSTRUCTIONS, SUGGESTIONS AND FORMS, 

FOR SECRETARIES OF LODGES. 






BY GEORGE H. GRAY, SEN., 

OF MISSISSIPPI. 



THIRD EDITION, REVISED AND CORRECTED. 



CINCINNATI: 

H W. DERBY & CO., PUBLISHERS. 

1852. 



. 



Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1851, 
BY GEO. H. GRAY, SEN... 
the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the District of 
Ohio. 



W 



E. Morgan & Co., Stereotypers, 
111 Main St., Cincinnati. 



TO 

THE MEMBERS 

OF THE 

ANCIENT AND HONORABLE 

ORDER 

OF 

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, 

WHERESOEVER DISPERSED, 

THIS EDITION IS 

MOST RESPECTFULLY 
AND 

FRATERNALLY 

INSCRIBED. 



(iii) 



EE C OMMEND ATION S 



From M. W. Chas. A. Lacoste, O. M. of the G. L. of Miss. 

Natchez, Miss., Nov. 29, 1849. 
Dear Sir and Bro.: 

I regret that other engagements have put it out of my power (in tho 
short space of time allowed me) to give to your Masonic work anything 
like a thorough perusal, or critical examination. From what I have seen 
of it, however, and from my entire confidence in your Masonic skill and 
discretion, I feel no hesitancy in expressing the opinion, that it will 
prove to be of substantial value to the Craft as a book of reference and 
practical guide. 

Wishing you every suceess in this praiseworthy enterprise, I am., dear 
Sir, fraternally, Yours, etc., 

CHAS. A. LACOSTE, 
G. M. of G. L. of Mississippi 
To Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr., Clinton, Miss. 



Viclcshurg, Miss., Dec. 19, 1849. 
Dear Sir and Bro.: 

From the examination I have made of your work, 1 feel satisfied that 
it is such a one as will satisfy the Masonic Fraternity. A Text-Book has 
been wanted. Yours will answer the purpose. 
Respectfully and fraternally, yours, etc., 

B. S. TAPPAN, 
P. G. M. of the G. L. of Mississippi; P. H. P. of V. Ch. No. 
3 of R. A. Masons; and P. M. of Vicksburg Lodge No. 26. 
To Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr., Clinton, Miss. 



Grand Secretary's Office, Natchez, Miss., Dec. 10, 1849 
Dear Sir and Bro.: 

I thank you for the pleasure which the inspection of the manuscript 
copy of the " Mystic Circle and American Hand-book of Masonry," has 



6 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

afforded me- Containing a complete " Trestleboard," upon which every 
line appears to have been skillfully drawn, and the common error avoided 
of exhibiting too much of the design to the vulgar eye, the "Ancient 
Constitutions," the " Old and New Regulations,'''' a " Digest of Masonic 
Laws, and Opinions of Enlightened Masons," on many important and 
interesting points, compiled with care; a good set of "By-laws for 
Subordinate Lodges," and "Instructions for Secretaries," all systemati- 
cally arranged: it will be found, in my humble opinion, to be a work of 
great value to the Craft, and the best book of reference yet published. 

I could scarcely have expected a less satisfactory work from one whom 
I have known for twenty years as one of the brightest, most consistent 
and zealous Masons of the South-west, and hope to see it in general use. 

Yours, very truly and fraternally, 

WxM. P. MELLEN, 
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi, 
To Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr., Clinton, Miss. 



Vicksburg, Bliss., Dec. 19, 1849. 
Dear Sir and Bro.: 

I have given the manuscript copy of the Masonic work you propose to 
publish, a hasty perusal, and am highly pleased with it. It is just such 
a work as the Fraternity want, and you are entitled to great praise for 
your labor in getting it up, as it is decidedly the best book of reference I 
have ever seen. I hope to see it in general use, and, wishing you great 
success and a full reward for your zealous endeavors and labors to pro- 
mote the glory of the Craft. 

I remain, yours, truly and fraternally, 

CHARLES J. SEARLES, 
Th. III. G. M. of V. C. of R. and S. M.; P. H. P. of V. Ch. No. 3 

of R, A. Masons; and P. M. of Vicksburg Lodge No. 26. 
To Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr., Clinton, Miss, 



Vicksburg, Miss., Jan. 10, 1850. 
Bro. Gray: 

Your "Mystic Circle and American Hand-book of Masonry " will be 
a valuable acquisition to the Craft. It will serve, not only as a well 
arranged chart, but it is a complete digest of all the important regulations 
of the Order, which cannot fail to be the most valuable acquisition to 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 7 

Masonry of modern times — particularly valuable to the presiding officers 
of Lodges, &c. 

Fraternally, yours, etc., 

THOS. J. HARPER, 
P. H. P. of Vicksburg Chapter No. 3. 
To Bro. G. Gray, Sr., at Cincinnati, 0. 



Vicksourg, Miss., Dec. 18, 1850. 
Dear Bro.: 

Having given the manuscript copy of your work a partial examination, 
(being all that opportunity would permit,) I have no hesitation in saying 
that I believe it to be one of the most valuable works to the practical 
Mason that has ever come under my observation, and am well satisfied 
that it will be of great utility, as a work of reference, to the Craft. Such 
a publication, in my judgment, is much needed. With it, any Mason 
may do much toward qualifying himself for the Chair, or being other- 
wise useful in the Lodge. 

Wishing you every success in your laudable enterprise, and a speedy 
publication, I remain, respectfully and fraternally, yours, etc., 

B. SPRINGER, 
G. S. W. of the G. L. of Mississippi, and W. M. of 

Vicksburg Lodge No. 26. 



Vicksburg, Miss., Dec. 19, 1849. 
Dear Sir and Bro.: 

I have examined, very hastily, the manuscript of your " Mystic Circle 
and American Hand-book of Masonry," and believe its publication will 
be a very valuable acquisition to the Masonic Fraternity at large. 

I have seen nothing better calculated as a text-book — a work of refe- 
rence on Constitutional questions. 

A work of this kind is much needed, and its speedy publication would 
meet with my warmest approbation. 

Respectfully and fraternally, yours, etc., 

WILLIAM H. STEVENS, 
G. H. P. of the G. C. of R. A. Masons of Mississippi, and 

W. M. of Hills City Lodge, Vicksburg, Miss. 
To Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr., Clinton, Miss. 



8 RECOMMENDATION'S. 

"GRAND LODGE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

"The special committee to whom was referred the examination of the 
'MYSTIC CIRCLE,' by Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr., beg leave to report, 
that they have examined the aforesaid work, and consider it one of the 
most valuable Text-books now in use, more especially is it so on ques- 
tions of Masonic law and usage. Your committee therefore recommend 
the adoption of the following resolution, viz : 

"Resolved, That 'The Mystic Circle' (by Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr.) be 
recommended by the Grand Lodge to the Brethren in the State of Mis- 
sissippi, as a correct and valuable Text-book of Masonic Law and 



"Attest, Wm. P. Mellen, G. Sec' 

Feb. 1851. 



"GRAND LODGE OF INDIANA. 

"Hall of the Grand Lodge of Indiana,) 
Indianapolis, 30th May, 1850. } 
'Bro. Geo. H. Gray, Sr. :— 

" Sir : By a unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, I am 
directed to present you their cordial thanks for the gift of your excel- 
.ent Masonic compilation, entitled ' The Mystic Circle.' The brethren 
also direct me to say that they highly appreciate the work, and that 
they believe it a useful and valuable addition to our Masonic literature. 
Unreservedly concurring in the above expression of opinion by the 
Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Indiana, I remain Sir and brother, 

" Fraternally Yours, <fec, 

"E. Deming, 
" Grand Master of Masons in Indiana." 



"Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1851. 

" Dear Sir and Bro. :— 

"I have examined your work entitled ' The Mystic Circle,' and would 
earnestly recommend it to the Fraternity. It is compiled with much 
care and ability, and will doubtless meet with a wide circulation. 

"Very truly yours, <fec, 

" Chas. Scott, 
"G. H. P. of G. Ch. of R. A. Masons, 

and P. G. M. of G. L. of Mississippi. 
"To Bro. G. H. Gray, Sr., Clinton, Miss." 



ILLUSTRATION OF THE MTSTIC CIRCLE. 

The Circle represents that boundary or line within which 
our every thought, word, and action should be circumscribed, 
Its radius is the full extent of our duties to God, our neighbor, 
and ourselves. It is embordered by the lines of a perfect 
Square, the sides equal, the angles equal, which represents the 
divine mind of Omnipotence. The perpendicular Lines repre- 
sent the parallel drawn by St. John the Baptist and St. John 
the Evangelist. The right-angled Square, the fourth part of 
the circle comprehends the union of the celestial and terres- 
trial capacities, and is an emblem of Morality and Justice. 
The Star in the center forcibly reminds us of the duties which, 
as Masons, we owe to each other. The letter Y, is one of the 
symbolical characters of Pythagoras, and "represents the 
course of human life. Youth, arriving at Manhood, sees two 
ways before him, and deliberates which he will pursue. If he 
meets with a guide that directs him to pursue Philosophy, and 
he procures initiation, his life shall be honorable and his death 
happy. But if he omits to do this, and takes the left-hand 
path, which appears broader and better, it will lead him" (not 
only beyond the Mystic Circle, but without the pale of divine 
precept) " to sloth and luxury, will waste his estate, impair his 
health, and bring on a premature old age of remorse and 
misery." The Holy Scriptures, in the fork of the ways, is the 
guide placed in the hands of man by his benevolent Creator 
to point out the way that leads to happiness in this life, and 
endless bliss in the world of immortality. The three positions 
represent the three steps of Masonry, which are emblematical 
of the three stages of human life, — Youth, Manhood, and 
Age, — and remind us that in Youth, as Entered Apprentices, 
we ought industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment 
of useful knowledge ; in Manhood, as Fellowcrafts, we should 

(xi) 



xii ILLUSTRATION OF THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

apply our knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties 
to God, our neighbors, and ourselves ; that so in Age, as Mas- 
ter Masons, while we are journeying in the downhill of life, to 
" that undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler re- 
turns," we may enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a 
well-spent life, and a well-grounded hope of a glorious immor- 
tality. 

Commencing our journey in joyous hilarity, in the spring 
time of life, while the tender leaves of hope are yet putting 
forth, we tread the flowery paths that lead from Infancy to 
Youth ; entering upon the rugged road of frightful acclivities, 
encountering the vicissitudes to which mankind is liable, we ar- 
rive at the meridian in the full blossom and vigor of Manhood ; 
our steps are accelerated thence by a gentle declivity to an old 
Age of feebleness and decay, and tottering onward we com- 
plete the Circle, when we arrive at the final resting-place of 
all, where all ranks are leveled and all distinctions are done 
away. At any stage of our journey from the cradle to the 
grave, we are liable to be assailed by the deadly missives of 
the insatiate Archer ; and happy is he whose walk in life has 
been such that he can welcome the approach of the grim Tyler 
of eternity when he shall knock at the door of his earthly 
tabernacle to summon him to the presence of the Supreme 
Grand Master of the universe, and calmly enter that gloomy 
portal, through which mortality passes not, reminded by the 
emblem of our faith that-that immortal part within us cannot 
be entombed in the silent vault, but will survive the grave, and 
disengaged from its cumbrous dust, shall soar to realms on 
high, return unto God who gave it, and flourish and bloom in 
immortal youth throughout eternity. 



INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION, 



In presenting this Second Edition of the Mystic Circle to 
the Fraternity, the Compiler begs to be understood as laying 
no claim to the originality of the most valuable portion of 
the matter contained in it, but offers it as a compilation of 
that practical, valuable information, which it is important that 
every member of the Order should possess, more especially 
those who expect, or wish to participate in the labors of the 
Craft. 

The work was compiled at the urgent solicitation of many 
intelligent and experienced Masons, who had long felt the 
want of such a publication. The ready sale which ^the first 
edition has met with, and the present demand for the work, 
have induced the publication of a second edition, in preparing 
which, the matter has been revised and re-arranged into a 
more systematic form ; and while some unimportant portions 
have been stricken out, other valuable matter has been added. 
More interest is given to it by the addition of a collection of 
Odes, Hymns, Anthems and Songs, appropriately arranged 
for the various ceremonies ; additional information, of a gene- 
ral character, as well as relating to Masonic jurisprudence, is 
also embraced. 

The manual, is that which has been approved, adopted 
and used by the yarious Grand Lodges for many years. 
Great pains have been taken to render this edition as full, 
perfect and complete, for all practical purposes, as any could 
at this time be made. Ample means being in the hands of 
the Compiler, he trusts that it will stand the test of a critical 
examination, which is solicited, as from it, the best evidence 
of its utility could be obtained. 



May, 1851. 



(xiii) 



CONTENTS. 



A. 

PAGE 

Antiquity of Masonry 25 

Ancient York Masonry, origin of. . 29 . 202 
Ancient Constitutions first printed, 33 . 202 

America, Freemasonry in 33 

Amendments approved 391 

Admission of Candidates 55 . 295 

" ofVisitors 336 

^ " may be denied to 337 

" of members -"302 . 461 

Architecture, Invention, Order, &c... 77 

Arts and Sciences 83 

Allseeing Eye 98 

Anchor and Ark " 

Address to Gr. Master at Installation 

127 . 152 
" to Clergyman at Initiation .. 154 

" Foreigners " 

" Soldiers 155 

Ahiman Rezon 253 

" " definition of .... 271 . 307 

Attendance 268 

Ancient Landmarks 272 

Apron worn according to degree 273 

Appeal, right of 274 

" from subordinate to Gr. Lodge 307 
" " decision of the Blaster 

307-8-9-10 

Accountability of Masons 275 

Advancement 310 

" in other Lodges 311 

" rejection on 271 . 317-19 

c f after charge of un wor- 
thiness 318 

Avouchment for visitor 335-7 . 461 

Action of Sub. Lodges on Charges ... 340 
s " of Gr. Lodge on delinquencies 350 

Acacia, The 455 

Argument against expuision for dues. 361 

Ample Form defined 344 

Arrest of Charter 424 

Application for Membership rejected. 394 



PAGE 

By-laws, first Code of 31 

" for Subordinate Lodges .... 160 

Business in the several degrees 53 

Benediction at closing 55 

Badge of a Mason 59 

Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth 68 

Bee Hive 96 

Book of Constitutions 97 

Behavior in Lodge 243 . 268 

" after " hours 269 

" inGrandLodge 210 

Balloting 288 

«■■* excuse from 292 

" for candidate 294 

". vote must be unanimous .. . 241 

" rule in 295 

" on petition necessary '• 

" " imperative 297 

". not to be reconsidered . . . 292-4 

" on each degree 301-16 

" on proficiency rejected 315 

By-laws, general and particular 362 

" when obligatory " 

" suspension of, forbidden .... 319 
" mnst be approved by G. L. 

323 . 369 . 372-3 

Business of Called Meeting 369 

" must be expressed in notifi- 
cation " 

Board of Past Masters suggested..... 387 



Compilation of General Regulations.. 32 
Constitutions Ancient, first published 

33 . 303 

Ceremonies of Opening and Closing.. 52 

Charge at closing 55 

" to Candidate at initiating.... 70 

" " passing 88 

(XV) 



XVI 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Charge to Candidate at raising 102 

" to officers at installation 

118-19-20-21 

Chart, Symbolic 52 

Candidate, The 52.258 

" perquisites of 256 

" instructions for 257 

" physical qualifications... 277.9 

" moral " 256 

" religious " ..253.454 

" literary " 276 

" of proposing the 257.460 

" admission of 55.395 

" through fraud, 

" penalty of 396 

" failing to apply for degrees. 321 
" should apply in proper juris- 
diction 322-3 

11 rejection of unjustly 305 

" " may apply again " 

" " on advancement. .317-19 

" " may be reproposed . 305 

" proposed one Lodge night 

before ballot 55.257 

Common gavel 60 

Covering of a Lodge 63 

Cardinal virtues 68 

Constitutions, Book of 95 

Consecrating a Lodge 104 

" ceremony of 106 

" petition for form of 180 

Constituting, ceremony of. 106.235 

" form of procession at 108 

Ceremony of Installation 114 

«f of laying Coiner Stone.... 128 

" Funeral, by Webb 136.439 

" " Case 145.439 

Constitution, Ancient 202.3 

Concerning differences 269 

Constitutional Rules and Landmarks.. 272 
Conferring degrees, restriction on.... 239 
" " out of jurisdiction.. 321. 6 

" " " not affect 

recipient. 323-9 
" " two or more candi- 
dates same day.. . 321 
" M on spurious or clan- 
destine Mas 320-9 

" " in quick succession 313. 14 

Clandestine Mason defined 329 

" Lodge " " 

Capitation Tax on Members 333 



PAG* 

Capitation Tax on non-affiliated bre- 
thren 331.415 

Capitation Tax on Visitors 334.395 

Claims of non-affil. brethren on the 

Lodge 332 

Charges for misconduct 338-9 

" action of Lodge on 340 

" against Master 342 

Cause for expulsion 365 

Called Meeting, business of 369 

Chapter, expulsion from, effect of . 381 

" effect on, by sentence of Sub- 
Lodge 382-3 

Candidates for Chair must have been 

Warden 260.386 

Case of emergency 304.330.465 

Charter, surrender of 432 



D. 



Degrees for Females 469 

Deputy G. M., prerogative 406 

Description of Solomon's Temple 43 

Destruction of. 51 

Declarations for Candidate 56 

Decision of Master, final 307 

Degree of E. A. or 1st 57 

« F.C. 2d 72 

« M. M. 3d 90 

« « 4th 104 

Deacons, how appointed 398 

« charge to 121.265 

Dedication of Masonic Halls 131 

" Lodges 71.416 

Dispensation for Lodge, 

" petition for, form of ... . 105 

Duty of Members 241 

Duties, private 255 

Definitions of Lodge 270 

« of Ahiman Rezon 271.307 

" of Form, Due Form and 

Ample Form 106.344 

" of Discharged Members " 

" of Clandestine Mason 

and Lodge 329 

Discharged Member, effect of sentence 

344.354-9 

Decorations of Grand Lodge 271 

<< Subordinate " 

Diploma, Master to sign 184.344 

« who to grant 345 

" not a dimit, defined " 



CONTENTS. 



xvn 



Page 

Dimit defined 1S2.346 

" right to 415 

Doors to a Lodge-room 246 

Delinquent Members 349 

Delinquencies, action of G. L. on.. . . 350 
Difference between Members and non- 
affiliated 275 

Deposit to accompany petition 258 

" forfeited " 

Dimitted Brethren, Tax on 4]5 

« " trial of. 384.5 

not entitled to Gr. 

Char, fund 370.332.416 

*• " nor to funeral ho- 
nors 333 

" " nor to join Lodge 

processions " 

«' " may on public occa- 
sions " 

" " not to visit Lodges, 

334.415 

Dormant Lodges, revival of. 430 

Due form 106.344 

Dues, non-payment of. 306 

" suspension for 365 

" " effect of 352-5.365 

** Modem requirement 356-7.365 

" Lodge without any 366 



E. 



Europe, Freemasonry in 28 

E. A. and F. C. Masons but not 

Members 347 . 350 

" Lodge " business of 348 

«' not entitled to funeral 

honors 438 

" nor to join in Funeral 

procession 438 

Emergency, case of 304.330.465 

" Lodge of 369 

" business of expressed in 

notification 369 

Elections only at stated times 411 

" to Membership before dimit- 

ting 395 

Expulsion, penalty of 363-4 

" effect of 367 

" by what tribunal imposed.... 364 
" must be approved by G. L... 372-3 

" causes for 365 

t* rules governing cases 371 



Page 

Expulsion for Lodge dues, effect of.... 352 

355.365 

« abrogated by G. L. of S. C 352 

" reconsidering 373 

" reinstating at called meetings .. 369 
" must be sanctioned by G. L. .. 372 
" from Enc. Council or Chap- 
ter 335.381.455 

" Members of Blue Lodge ■ 380-1 

" from Lodge is from Chapter 

382-3 

« ofE.A.andF.C 383 

Errors may be corrected 376 

Excuse from Balloting 292 



Freemasonry in Europe 


28 




33 


" United States 


41 




98 


'* Code of Bylaws 31 902 


" Grand Secretary appointed 


32 




226 


" Compilation of General Regu- 




lations .- 32-20S 




41 


" Authority for Lodges to pass 






907 




^85 




?44 


Form of Petition for Initiation 


56 


** a a Dispensation .. . 


105 


" Return of Lodge U. D 


180 


" Petition for Charter 


180 


" " Membership 


182 


** tl Lodge 


105 


" " Constituting 


161 


" " " proxy 


183 




68 


Forty-seventh Problem 


99 


Fellow Crafts' degree, remarks on... . 


72 


" " Masons, but not mem- 




bers ,...347-35 


" " not entitled to Funeral 






438 


" " not to join in F. proces. 




" Suspension and expulsion of. . 


383 


Five Orders of Architecture 


77 


Five Senses 


80 


Funeral Service, by Webb 136 . 439 


« " Case 145.439 



XV111 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
Funeral Honors, who entitled to. 136 . 438 

" " refused to suspended 

Members 437-7 

" Regalia 435-8 

Festival days, not days for business.. 286 
Former Members of Grand Lodges... 204 
Fraud in admission of Candidates. ... 396 
Forfeiture of Masonic privileges 354 

" " Charter 242 . 266 . 272 

" " Fees for degrees 258 

Furniture of Lodge 63 

Fees for degrees returned if rejected . 258 



Grand Lodge of England 28 

" " in America 41 

Globes use of 77 

Geometry 87 

General Reg. of G. L. of England ... 203 

Grand Tyler not a Member 204 

Grand Master of 211 

" " right to preside in Sub. 

Lodges 185.214 

" " make Masons at sight 

448 . 452 
" " assemble G. L. at plea- 
sure 185 . 450 

" " arrest Charter of Lodges 424 

" " not interfere with rights 

of Sub. Lodges 185. 451 
" Wardens not act as Rep. or 

Proxy 216 

" " no power in Sub. Lodges 440 

" Lodge decorations 271 

" Officers Past, not vote as Mem- 
bers of Rep 205.216 

" Feast, not held on Sabbath ... 245 

God and Religion 253 

Government and civil Magistrate.... 254 
Gambling 285 



II. 



History of Freemasonry 25 

'< " in Europe 28 

" " United States 41 

" Solomon's Temple 43 

Hourglass 100 

Hiram Abbiff. 306 



Page 
Healing Initiates 330 

Honors, Funeral, who entitled to. .136. 436 

Honorary Members 441 

Heroine of Jericho 471.417 

I. J. 

Initiation, Petition for 56 

" " to lie over one 

month.. 241. 266. 304 

" Prayer at 58.191 

" Charge at 70 

" of Spurious or Clandestine 

Masons 320-9 

Initiates of Lodges U. D. not Mem- 
bers 426 

" " not entitled 

to vote 421 

'* " not affected 

by suspen. 

of Lodge 423 

" " rank as unaf. 

brethren ... 426 
" " amenable to 

nearest re- 
gul. Lodge. " 

Installation, Ceremony of. 114 

" Charges at 118 

Jewels of a Lodge 65 

" " Movable and Im- 
movable 439.465-6 

" and Aprons of Grand Steward. 234 

" of Past Grand Officers 251 

Incense, Pot of 96 

Instructions for Candidates 257 

•* for Secretaries and 

" Treasurers 170 

Index for do. do 169 

Intemperance 282 

Immoral and unmasonic conduct 276 

Introducing witnesses 447 

Jericho, Heroine of 417 

Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge 326.454 

" Subordinate 326 

" " absolute 407 

" " trespass on... 327-8 



K. 



Kilwinning Lodge 366 

Knight of Jericho 418 



CONTENTS. 



xix 



Page 



L. 



Laws, first Code 31 

Lodge, definition of 270 

" Organization of 52 

" Government 259 

" of whom to consist " 

" of opening and closing 52.166.453 

« " remarks on 176 

« " different degrees 53.176 

i* Prayer at opening 54 

" " closing " 

«« Benediction " 55 

" Charge « " 

«« Minutes read before closing 53.179 

" Form and Supports of 62 

" Covering and Furniture 63 

« Ornaments and Jewels. 4.«». 64-5 

" Situation and dedication 66-7 

" first power to confer 2d and 3d 

degrees 207 

« Officers and Members of 259 

" Master and his election 260 

" " and Wardens 240 

" number to be initiated 266 

" Officers not to resign " 

" " nor refuse to serve .. . " 

" " vacancy not to be fill- 

ed except, &c. 266 . 410 
M attendance and behavior in. 268-9 

11 decorations of 271 

" when deemed extinct 242.266.272 
'* not to suspend its meetings 272.390 
*' not to amend resolutions at 

called meeting 273 

" not to confer more than two 
degrees on candidate same 

day 321 

11 not pass ex post facto laws . . 273 
" not admit visitors without a 

voucher 266 

" summons imperative ....275 . 364 
" not bound to initiate though 

elected 291 

" not reconsider ballot, nor with- 
draw petition 289.292-4 

" bound to ballot on petition.. 295-7 

" Appeal from, to G. L 307 

" local rules, not binding on 

other L 314 

" to grant diplomas and dimits. 345 
" E. A. and F. C. not members 347 



Page 
Lodge, members of but one Lodge at 

a time 19.243.347 

" dues, modern requisition 356-7 

365 

~" General and particular 362 

" without dues 366 

" of emergency 369 

" " business of, ex- 
pressed in no- 
tification " 

'* powerof suspending and expel- 
ling 373 

" may correct errors 376 

" Susp. or Exp. effect on R. A. 

Masons 382-3 

*f may Susp. or Exp. E. A. and 

F. C 383 

" may reject petitions for mem- 
bership 394 

" Representatives to wear their 

jewels 206 

" not make and raise at same 

meeting 239 

" Jurisdiction of = 326 

" " absolute 407 

" " trespass on.... 327-8 

" not confer degrees on members 

of other Lodges 273 

" adjournment of 310-13.398.453 

" New, petition for 105 

" petitioners dimit, when char- 
ter granted 427-8 

" Dispensation, petition for 105 

" Constituting 235 

" Precedency 238 

" not acknowledged till legist.... 106 
" Under Dispensation, Agents... " 
" " " in abey- 

ance not 
reality... 419 
'* ** Officers not rank as 

Past Masters 106.420 

" '.« " not entitled 

to vote in 

G. L 420 

" " ** cannot be 

changed. ... " 
" " " not admitted 

inG. L 238 

" «< " not entitled 

to Repre- 
sentation... 419 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
Lodge under dispensation, Master of 
cannot be installed 420 

" « " not add to 

their num- 



nor fill va- 
cancies in 
their num- 
bers " 

differ, bet. 
and reg. 
Lodges.. " 

initiates not 
returned 
as mem- 
bers 421 

not to vote 
in Lodge. " 

cannot ad- 
mit mem- 
bers " 

Return of 

180 . 421 

Petitioners 
only mem- 
bers 422 

Suspension 
of Lodge 
not affect 
initiates . 423 

no power to 
try delin- 
quents.. . 425 

Petitioners 
may be re- 
moved by 
G. M. or 
nearest re- 
gular L. . " 

Petitionee 
and ini- 
tiates to 
rank as 
non affil. 
Brethren, 
and are 
amenable 
to nearest 
regular L. 426 

neither are, 
in fact, 
members; 427 



1'aoe 

Lodge G. of England, first 23 

" " Massachusetts 4'2 

it <( Prayer at opening 157 

" " Eight to confer (leg. 449 . 454 

" " former members of 204 

" " Officers not vote as mem. 

and rep 205 

" " not act as M. or warden 

of sub. Lodge 213 

" " of whom and where may 

be formed 272 

" " Jurisdiction of 326.454 

'■' Military, Rules governing .... 426 

Legend Mexican 39 

Lambskin 59 . 61 

Lossoflimhs 377 



M. 



Masonry, its Antiquity 25 

Minutes to be read and approved be- 
fore closing 53.179 

" not required to be signed by 

Master 306 

Moral advantages of Geometry. ,.,... 87 

Members of Grand Lodge 401 

<< ofSub. Lodge 347 

" of but one L. at a time 243 . 247 

" " tax on , 333 

Membership not a right 303 

" may be denied 302 

" rejection not affect stand. 

ing 303-5 

" petition lie over one 

month 241 . 266. 394 

Mason once, always 364 

" not absolved by dimitting 364 . 432 

" to whom amenable 364 

" bound to obey summons of M. 

M.L 275 

" not dimit except, &c 243 

" not bound to join Funeral Pro- 
cession 436 

Master Mason's degree, remarks on.. 90 

" " working tools 92 

Master of Lodge, power and duties .. 388 
" to clothe in regalia of Blue L. 433 

" prerogative 391 

" not bound to put all questions. 392 
" signature to minutes not re- 
quisite 306 

« his decision final 307-S-9 



CONTENTS. 



XXI 



Page 
Master cannot put off stated meetings 390 

" middle chamber 467 

Manner of voting 209 

Mexican Legend 39 

Meet on the Level and part on the Sqr. 439 
Master G. to preside in Lodges . 185 . 214 
Making and raising 239 



N. 



New Lodge, not acknowledged 238 

" " how formed 104 

Number to be initiated, 266 

Non-affiliated Brethren's claims 332 

" not entitled to Funeral 

Honors 333 

1 " join in procession, . " 
" " restrictions on .... 334 
« " Tax on 415 

Non-payment of Lodge dues . . . 354 , 366 
" expulsion for 354-365 

Notification defined 366 



O. 



Orator 265 

Origin of Grand Lodge 28 

'* of Ancient York Masonry 29 

Odes, Hymns, &c 188 

Ornaments of a Lodge 64 

Operative Masonry 74 

Order in Architecture 77 

Opening and closing 52 

" " in the several deg. 

53 . 176 
" " " remarks on. " 

*' on the Center 445 

" Grand Lodge 157 

Officers allowed Proxies 184 . 206 

" and Members 259 

** not resign nor refuse to serve 272 

Once, always a Mason 364 

Oldest Gr. Lodge 358 

Officers of G. L. not act as M. or W. of 

Sub. L. at same time 213 

" rules of succession... 213-15 



P. 



Prayer at Opening 54 

" " G. L. 157 

" at Closing 54 



Page 

Prayer at initiation 58 . 156-7 

Prayer at Raising 93 

" Posture of 393 

Petition may be refused 460 

" for initiation 56 

" to lie over one month. 241. 266. 304 

" cannot be withdrawn 394 

" Ballot on, necessary and im- 
perative 297. 395 

" rejected, may be renewed... . 304 

" for Membership, to lie over 241 

266.394 

V " may be rejected 302 

" " " not affect stand- 

ing. ... 302-3-5. 455 
" and ballot for each degree. 301-4-16 

" for Charter 180 

*' for dispensation for New 

Lodge 105 

Passing, Charge at 88 

Pot of Incense 96 

Problem 47th 99 

Procession at Constituting 108 

u Dedication 133 

" Funerals '. 138 

" " not bound to join. 436 

" Laying Corner Stone... 129 

Power of Disp. for Constituting 181 

Proxy for Representative 183 

''• " chosen by the Lodge.. 267 

Precedency of Lodges 238 

Past Grand officers' Jewels 251 

Politics prohibited in Lodges 225 

Private duties " 

Pre-requisites 256 

Proposing Candidates 257.460 

Past Masters defined . . j 273 

" privileges ....343.457 

" Trial of. 344 

" Chapter, no power in L. 

343.408 

Physical qualifications 277-9 

Profane swearing 285 

Penalty of Expulsion 363-4 

" by whom imposed 363 

Power of Lodge, in cases of 373 

" and duty of Master 388 

" and prerogative of 391 

" " D. G. M... 360. 406 

" of G. M. to confer degrees . .448.452 
" " without ballot.. " " 

" of G. L. to ccnfer degrees... 449, 454 



XX11 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Publication of rejections 374-6 

Practical Questions 392 

Posture of prayer 393 

Principles and Practice 454 



Qualification, Religious 253.273.454 

" Moral 256 

" Literary 276 

" Physical 277-9 

" of Master 385.456-7 

Quakers must be uncovered 393 

Questions, not bound to be put 392 



Remarks on E. A. or 1st degree 57 

« F. C, or 2d " 72 

" M. M.,or3d " 90 

" 4th " .... 104 

" Opening and closing L. 52. 176 

Raising, Prayer at 93 

Representatives to wear Jewels 206 

" may be instructed by the L, 242 
Right of G. M. to preside in 

Lodges... 185.214 
" " to assemble G. L. at 

pleasure 185.450 

" " to confer degrees at 

sight 448.452 

" of Appeal 274 

" of Visit, not inherent 335-6 

" of Lodge to instruct Rep. .. 242.267 

" ofdimitting 415 

Rule of succession in office in G. L... 

215.407 
" " in Sub. Lodges ... 410 

" in balloting 294-5 

Removal of Lodge 244.262 

Religious qualification .253.454 

Resolutions, Decisions, &c 275 

Reconsidering Ballot 292-4 

" oases of expulsion 373 

Rejection on advancement 314 

" " not affect appli- 
cant 315-17-19 

<< for Membership 394.455 

" " not affect standing .303-5 

Restriction on non-affil. Brethren.... 334 

Rejections, publication of 374-6 

" revealing, penalty of 380 



Page 
Royal Arch Mason, power in Lodges. 408 

Regular Meetings 286 

Restoration of Suspended or expelled 

Brethren 367.454 

" by expiration of term . ... 367 

" before " " 368 

" may be at called Meeting 369 

" Manner of 371 

" must be confirmed by G. L. 369 

Revival of Dormant Lodges 430 

Renouncing Masons defined 432 

Regalia of Master 433 

" ofMemhers 434 

« Funeral 435-8 

" " Royal Arch 435 



S. 



Solomon's Temple „ 43 

Symbolic Chart 52 

Supports of a Lodge 62. 468 

Situation " 66 

Senses, The Five 80 

Sciences, the Seven 83 

Sword and Heart 97 

Senior and Junior Wardens. 119 

Secretary and Treasurer 120 

Steward and Tyler 121 



Grand, Jewel and apron. 



234 



Signature of Master to Minutes 306 



Stated Meetings can't be put off . 
Songs, Odes, &c 



390 
188 
Suspension of By-laws, prohibited ... 319 

" of Members, effect of 367 

of R. A. from Lodge . . . 382-3 
«.. " Chapter 381, 455 

<' ofE. A. and F. C 383 

" must be sanctioned by 

G. L 372-3 

Suspended Brethren, reinstating of 

367 . 454 
" by expiration of term .... 367 

" may be before 368 

" may be done at called 

meeting 369 

Suspension must be confirmed by G. 

Lodge 369 . 372 

Spurious Masons, initiation of 

322 . 429 . 454 

Summons defined 366 

" of M. M.L. imperative 275. 364 
Surrender of Charter 432 



CONTENTS. 

Page 



T. 



Temple, Solomon's, History of 43 

" Description of 45 

11 Destruction of 51 

Three Pillars 62.468 

Three steps and charge 102 

Tools of £. A 60 

" F.C.' 73 

« M. M 92 

Tyler, duty of, and Charge 121 

" may not be a Member . . . . . . 444-5 

" Grand, not a Member of G. L. 204 

Treasurer, duty of 120. 264 

Temperance Society, the first 285 

Trespass on jurisdiction 327-8 

Test for Applicants 56 . 330 . 375 

" Religious 454 

Tax on Members 333 

" Visitors 334.395 

" Non-affiliated Brethren 415 

Trial of Past Master 334 

" Non-affiliated Brethren.... 384-5 



U. V. 



XX111 

Page 



Union, Kilwinning Lodge 366 

Vote on Petition for Degrees and 

Membership, unanimous 241 

" not subject to dispensation " 

Vacancy not filled till stated time ... 410 

Visitors refused, if not clothed 434 

" must be vouched for.. . 335-7 . 461 

Visit right, not inherent. 337 

Usages of Lodges 472-4 

X, 

Xerophagists 286 

W. Y. 

Wardens 263.407 

Withdrawing petitions 289. 291-2 

Wardens, G., power of. 440 

Witnesses, introduction of 447 

Who entitled to preside 458 






A 



BRIEF HISTORY 



MASONRY IN EUROPE AND AMERICA. 



PART I. 



ANTIQUITY OF MASONRY. 

Anttquity has always been the boast of every human 
Institution; and when united with the continued affec- 
tion of its members, has been, and ever must be, regard- 
ed as evidence of inherent excellence, and of the basis 
on which it has been established. This is true, as well 
of civil as of religious institutions. Governments that 
have long withstood the assaults of foreign and domes- 
tic violence, that remain unsubdued by war, and un- 
shaken by faction, are regarded with reverence, and stu- 
died with attention, — we discover in their organization 
some peculiar merit, which binds their subjects together, 
and enables them to withstand the influence of time, and 
the violence of man's ever-mutable passions. 

We will not now attempt to ascertain, whether Solo- 
mon, or any other man, is entitled to the appellation of 
Founder. It cannot be expected that we will point to the 
page of history, and show when and where the Society 
commenced. Had it been one organized for political 
3 ( 25 > 



26 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

purposes, used as the means of overturning governments, 
arming itself in warlike panoply, and shedding the blood 
of its opponents, history would have shown its rise and 
progress. But as instead of surrounding itself with ter- 
rors, exhibiting the cruelty of religious fanaticism, or the 
ensanguined glory of martial achievement, we find it in 
the still and silent walks of private life, operating on 
man individually, and seeking alone his moral perfection, 
we should search in vain through the blood-stained pages 
of ancient history for any notice of its existence. Let 
us, then, rest satisfied with the latest date, that even the 
enemies of the society may be pleased to assign it ; and 
we shall have more of antiquity to boast, than any other 
institution now in existence. The breath of the de- 
stroyer has swept from the earth generation after genera- 
tion of mankind, empires have risen, flourished, fallen, 
and been forgotten; the monuments of human wisdom, 
greatness, and power, vainly deemed imperishable, have 
crumbled into dust, under the moldering hand of time ? 
while Masonry still survives; her splendor, her useful- 
ness, and the number of her votaries, still undiminished. 
Nor has persecution conquered the affections of her fol- 
lowers. Though threatened by the imperial edict of an 
Alexander, openly assaulted by a cruel and bloody Fer- 
dinand, besieged by ignorance and superstition, the bat- 
tlements of her fortress still rear themselves proudly to 
view, and her banner floats triumphantly on the breeze. 
Whatever doubts may prevail as to the existence of 
the Masonic Institution anterior to the erection of the 
Temple, yet, as Masons, we have satisfactory evidence 
that it has existed in some form or other since the days 
of Solomon. The original landmarks of the order have 
been transmitted through a chosen few, unchanged by 
time and uncontrolled by prejudice. As Masons, we pos- 



ANTIQUITY OF MASONRY. 27 

sess interesting facts, unknown to the world, which are 
stated to have originated at the building of the Temple. 
The same facts are in the possession of Masons in diffe- 
ferent countries. Now, if the information which we 
have received by Masonic tradition, existed only in our 
own country, or in that from which we received it, we 
might have ground for the suspicion that it was fabri- 
cated ; but when we find the same facts, in almost every 
country on the globe, agreeing in all essential points, the 
conclusion is irresistible that they are true. 

History affords abundant evidence of the existence of 
the Society from the time of Solomon; and after the 
completion of the Temple, the Tyrians, who had been 
engaged in that enterprise, returned to their native coun- 
try. We are informed by a distinguished writer, that 
many of the Jews who were employed in the building 
of the Temple, and who must have been acquainted with 
all the circumstances which transpired at the time, emi- 
grated to Phoenicia, a country of which Tyre was the 
principal city. Oppressed by their enemies, and exposed 
to trials and dangers, they sought an asylum among the 
inhabitants of that city. Reminded of the pleasing 
scenes which they had witnessed on Mount Moriah, and 
influenced by those feelings of brotherly love and friend- 
ship, which seven years' residence together had inspired, 
the Tyrians furnished them with ships, in which they 
passed the Pillars of Hercules and settled in Spain. We 
are assured by Strabo, that colonies were established by 
the inhabitants of Palestine, on the western coast of 
Africa, about one hundred and ninety years after the 
Trojan war, and about fourteen years after the dedi- 
cation of Solomon's Temple. It is, then, an estab- 
lished fact, that men in the possession of the secrets on 
which the first six degrees of Masonry are founded, set- 



28 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

tied in various parts of the world. It is equally authen- 
ticated that Masons in all parts of the world possess the 
same facts. 

The conclusion, then, to be drawn from these circum- 
stances, is, that our Masonic information is true, and 
that the Institution has existed at least from the days of 
Solomon. 



FKEEMASONKY IN EUROPE. 

It is difficult to ascertain at what precise period Free- 
masonry was introduced into Britain; it is certain, how- 
ever, that its first inhabitants must have brought with 
them no small knowledge of the art. There are yet 
some remains of skill in architecture much earlier than 
the invasion of the Komans, but so defaced by time that 
it is difficult to determine their original use. The his- 
tory of Masonry in England is involved in much obscu- 
rity, until about the time of Alfred, who is said to have 
been a zealous promoter of the art. No prince ever 
studied more to improve the condition of his subjects. 
He was succeeded by Edward, during whose reign the 
Masons continued to assemble under the superintend- 
ence of Ethred, his brother-in-law, and Ethelward, his 
brother. 

Edward was succeeded by Athelstane. This prince 
granted a charter, authorizing the Masons to meet annu- 
ally at York, where the first Grand Lodge was formed 
in A. D. 926,* at which Edwin, the brother of Athel- 
stane, presided as Grand Master. 

*It was usual for the "working Masons," at this period, to put some 
mark or sign, peculiar to themselves, as a sort of stamp, or instead of a 
monogram (like the painter's), upon those stones which they had cut or 
hewn for public buildings, as palaces, castles, and especially churches of 
the Gothic style. This practice was particularly common among the 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 29 

At this meeting, many old writings were produced, in 
the Greek, Latin, and other languages, from which the 
constitutions of the English Lodges are derived. 

From this era we date the establishment of Masonry 
in England on a firm basis. By virtue of the charter 
granted by Athelstane, all the Masons of the kingdom 
were convened and a Grand Lodge established for their 
"uture government. Under the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodge the fraternity considerably increased, and kings, 
princes, and other distinguished persons, who had been 
initiated into the mysteries, paid due allegiance to the as- 
sembly. The appellation of Ancient York Masons, well- 
known in all regular Lodges, originated from this memo- 
rable convention at York. 

During the reign of Queen Anne the Annual Festi- 

German Masons of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, as has been as- 
certained by frequent examinations of the ancient Gothic churches in that 
country. These marks are also found in the famous cathedrals of Stras- 
burg and Rheims, and in a single instance, at Notre Dame, in Paris — one 
of the most splendid monuments of Gothic architecture in France. Simi- 
lar marks are likewise to be seen at St. Dustan's-in-the-East, at London; 
but they are of more recent date, that edifice having been built by Sir 
Christopher Wren, who, at the time, was Grand Master of Masons in 
England. 

About fifteen years back, the tower and south side of that ancient 
Gothic structure, the Church of St. Mary's, at Shrewsbury, underwent a 
thorough repair; the circular arches which divided the side aisles from 
the transepts, and which for very many years had been disfigured by a 
superabundant application of mortar, from the hands of some tasteless 
plasterer, have been scraped and cleaned, so as to exhibit the fine Norman 
arches in nearly their original beauty: and, adds the Editor of the Salo- 
pian Journal, " It may, perhaps, be worthy of remark, as well as inter- 
sting to some antiquarian and Masonic readers to be informed, that in 
clearing the plaster from the arches above noticed, the distinguishing 
marks of several of the operative Masons, who were employed in working 
the stones of which these arches are composed, have been discovered; and 
it is a singular fact, that some of these marks, though used many centuries 
ago, are similar to those used by the Masons of the present day." 



30 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

vals were entirely neglected, and the number of Masons 
considerably diminished. It was, therefore, determined 
that the privilege of Masonry should not be confined to 
operative Masons, but that persons of all professions 
should be permitted to participate in them, provided they 
were regularly approved and initiated into the order. 

On the accession of George I, the Masons resolved to 
unite again under a Grand Master, and revive the Annual 
Festivals. With this view, the "members of the only 
four Lodges at that time existing in London, met at the 
Appletree Tavern, and having voted the oldest Master 
Mason then present, into the chair, constituted them- 
selves a Grand Lodge pro tempore, in due form." It was 
then resolved to revive the Quarterly Communications of 
the Fraternity, and to hold the next Annual Assembly and 
Feast on the 24th June, at the Goose and Gridiron Ta- 
vern (in compliment to the oldest Lodge which then met 
there), for the purpose of electing a Grand Master. Ac- 
cordingly, on St. John the Baptist's day, 1717, the As- 
sembly and Feast were held at that house, when the 
oldest Master Mason (the Master of a Lodge), having 
taken the chair, a list of proper candidates for the office 
of Grand Master was produced, and the names being 
separately proposed, the Brethren by a great majority of 
votes elected Mr. Anthony Sayer, Grand Master of Ma- 
sons for the ensuing year. He was forthwith invested 
by the said oldest Master, installed by the Master of the 
oldest Lodge, and duly congratulated by the Assembly. 

Previously to this time a sufficient number of Masons 
met together in a certain district, had ample power to 
make Masons, without a Warrant of Constitution; but 
it was now determined that the privilege of assembling 
as Masons, should be vested in certain Lodges, or As- 
semblies of Masons convened in certain places: and 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 31 

that every Lodge, to be afterward convened (except the 
four old Lodges then existing), should be authorized to 
act by a Warrant from the Grand Master, granted by 
petition from certain individuals, with the consent and 
approbation of the Grand Lodge, and that without such 
Warrant, no Lodge should hereafter be deemed regular 
or constitutional. The former privileges, however, were 
still permitted to remain to the four Lodges then extant. 
In consequence of this, the old Masons in the metropo- 
lis, vested all their inherent rights in the four old Lodges, 
in trust, that they would never suffer the Ancient Land- 
marks and Charges to be infringed. 

At the above organization, the following Regulation 
was proposed and adopted, to-wit: 

"That the privilege of assembling as Masons, which 
has hitherto been unlimited, shall be vested in certain 
Lodges or Assemblies of Masons, convened in certain 
places ; and that every Lodge to be hereafter convened 
(except the four old Lodges at this time existing), shall 
be legally authorized to act by a Warrant from the Grand 
Master for the time being, granted to certain individuals 
by petition, with the consent and approbation of the 
Grand Lodge in Communication: and without such 
Warrant, no Lodge shall be hereafter deemed regular or 
constitutional." 

A code of laws, with the consent of the Brethren at 
large, was drawn up for the future government of the 
society, to which the following clauses were annexed, 
binding the Grand Master, for the time being, his suc- 
cessors, and the Masters of every Lodge to be hereafter 
constituted, to preserve it inviolate : 

" Every Annual Grand Lodge, has an inherent power 
and authority to make new regulations, or to alter these 
for the benefit of this Ancient Fraternity; provided al- 



32 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ways, that the old landmarks be carefully preserved ; and 
that such alterations and new regulations, be proposed 
and agreed to at the third Quarterly Communication, 
preceding the Grand Annual Feast : and that they be 
offered to the perusal of all the Brethren, before dinner, 
in writing, even to the youngest Entered Apprentice ; 
the approbation and consent of the majority of all the 
Brethren present being absolutely necessary to make the 
same binding and obligatory." 

To commemorate this circumstance, it has been cus- 
tomary ever since that time, for the Master of the oldest 
Lodge, to attend every Grand Installation ; and, taking 
precedence of all present, the Grand Master only ex- 
cepted, to deliver the Book of Constitutions to the new- 
ly-installed Grand Master, on his promising obedience 
to the Ancient Charges and Regulations. By this pre- 
caution, the original constitutions were, established as 
the basis of all Masonic jurisdiction in the south of 
England, and the Ancient Landmarks were carefully 
secured against innovation. 

In 1718, many valuable manuscripts were collected, 
among which were several old copies of the old Gothic 
constitutions, which were arranged and digested. 

In 1720, the Fraternity sustained an irreparable loss 
by the burning of several valuable manuscripts concern- 
ing the Lodges, Charges, and Regulations and Usages 
of Masons. This was done by some scrupulous Breth- 
ren, who were alarmed at the publication of the Ma- 
sonic Constitutions. 

In 1722, the office of Grand Secretary was first estab- 
lished, and William Cowper, Esq., appointed, who dis- 
charged the duties of that department for several years. 

In this year, a Compilation of the General Regula- 
tions of the Free and Accepted Masons, was made by 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 



33 



James Anderson ; which was approved, and ordered to 
be published by the Grand Lodge of England, March 
25th, 1722 : which, together with Amendments, as ap- 
proved by said Grand Lodge, June 27th, 1754, is copied 
verbatim et literatim, into this volume. On January 
4th, 1787, was opened in London the Grand Chapter of 
Harodim. Although this order is of ancient date, and 
had been patronized in different parts of Europe, there 
appears not on record, previous to this period, the regu 
lar establishment of such an association in England. 
The Mysteries of the Order are peculiar to the Institu- 
tion itself, while the lectures of the Chapter include 
every branch of the Masonic system, and represent the 
Art of Masonry in a finished and complete form. The 
Grand Chapter is governed by a Grand Patron, two 
Vice Patrons, a Chief Ruler, and two Assistants with a 
Council of twelve Companions, chosen annually, at the 
Chapter preceding the Festival of St. John the Evan- 
gelist. 

On the 27th of December, 1813, the union between 
the two Grand Lodges was perfected, after a separation 
of one hundred years, and the Masonic Fraternity reu- 
nited in one family. 



FREEMASONRY IN AMERICA. 
At what time Freemasonry was first introduced into 
this country, may never be satisfactorily ascertained. It 
is generally admitted that America was originally peo- 
pled from the old continent; but by whom, and at what 
period, are questions on which scholars of the greatest 
research are not agreed. Many, judging from the simi- 
larity of some religious rites, have conjectured that it 



34 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

was peopled by the Ten Tribes, at the dispersion of 
Israel ; others, that it was colonized by the wandering 
Tribes of Japheth ; still others, conjecture that it was set- 
tled by the Carthaginians, some of whose ships, at- 
tempting to reach the Cape de Verd Islands (which be- 
longed to them and are only about three weeks sail from 
the American continent), were driven by the trade winds 
to the coast of America;* others, again, that tribes of 
the Tartar race passed over Behring's Straits to the 
north-west coast of America. 

But, from whatever people the Americans may have 
descended, or in whatever manner this vast continent was 
originally furnished with human beings, it is certain that 
those who inhabited it at the time of the discovery of 
Columbus, possessed a System of Mysteries, which they 
applied to the purposes of religious worship. And it is 
impossible to read the early history of the Peruvians, 
without being impressed with the strong analogy which 
some of their ceremonies bore to the rites practiced by 
the idolatrous Israelites, when the "fury of the Lord 
was ready to be poured out upon them." 

Equally certain is it, that if we place reliance upon 
the enduring testimony of those ruins discovered, even 
in our days, on this continent, especially in Mexico and 

* "A few years since there was found near Montevideo, in South Amer- 
ica, a stone, with the following words, in Greek, written on it: 'During 
the reign of Alexander, the son of Philip, king of Macedon, in the 63d 
Olympiad, Ptolemy — ' the remainder of the inscription could not be de- 
ciphered. This stone covered an excavation, which contained two very 
ancient swords, a helmet, a shield, and several amphora? of large capaci 
ty. On the handle of one of the swords was the portrait of a man, ant 
on the helmet there was sculptured work, representing Achilles dragging 
the corpse of Hector round the walls of Troy. This was a favorite pic- 
ture among the Greeks. Probably this Ptolemy was overtaken by a 
storm in the Great Ocean, as the Ancients termed the Atlantic, and driven 
on the coast of South America.' 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 35 

South America : ruins, indicating the existence of great 
cities and fortifications, we must believe that it was, at 
a remote period, inhabited by a race who had made 
great advances in the mechanical arts of civilization. 
Whether the race was invaded by ferocious tribes who 
crossed from the north of Asia and drove their more 
cultivated opponents to the south, must be a matter of 
conjecture. But, as we have before suggested, that 
something resembling speculative Masonry existed among 
all, whether there was one or two races, cannot be 
doubted by him who has sufficient patience to inquire. 
It is not improbable that the civilization of Middle Asia 
was, at a very early period, spread over the most inhabit- 
able portion of North America ; that some of the emi- 
grants extended their travels to Mexico and South Ameri- 
ca; and, in consequence of the climate being better 
adapted to their former habits, multiplied and flourished 
to a far greater extent than their Brethren who took pos- 
session of the North. These last, might, in after times, 
have been overpowered, as Southern Europe once was, 
by hordes of fierce Barbarians from the extreme North, 
who, after subduing the previous inhabitants, and de- 
stroying, in the mere wantonness of conquest, many of 
their towns and public works, amalgamated with them, 
receiving a small portion of their cultivation in return 
for nomadic habits and unequaled ferocity. If we ad- 
mit that events similar to these occurred, we have little 
difficulty in explaining why traces of Freemasonry are 
discernible as well in the ruthless tribes of North 
America, as among the more gentle and well-polished 
people of the great Nations of the South. 

When some of the largest of the tribes were first vis- 
ited by Europeans, it was found that they entertained, 
not only very rational ideas in respect to religion, but 



36 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

that their political institutions were predicated on prin- 
ciples closely approximating to those of civilization.* 

* " The recent discoveries in Mexican Antiquities are, perhaps, the 
most remarkable and interesting that antiquarian research lias ever 
brought to light. It is maintained that they fully demonstrate that a peo- 
ple of equal civilization, power, and resources with the ancient Egyp- 
tians, formerly inhabited New Spain. This people were called the Tulte- 
cans, and lived a long time prior to the Mexicans, whom the Spaniards 
found inhabiting the country. The existence of the Tultecans at the 
time of the Spanish conquest had become a matter of vague record; al- 
though the traditions of the Mexicans preserved their remembrance under 
the name of " Giants, or Wandering Masons ." To this people the Mexi- 
cans themselves attributed all the stupendous monuments which were 
found in their country. The evidences of the high state of civilization 
of this people are, first, their Monuments and Temples. Pyramids upon 
a scale of equal grandeur with those of Egypt are found. Some of them, 
as the Pyramid of Cholnlu, which Humboldt describes in his researches, 
though not of equal hight, have a larger base than the Egyptian Pyra- 
mids. Remains of Temples are found equal in extent to the Temple of 
Solomon; and one so nearly resembling it in its general style and magni- 
ficence, that learned men have conjectured that it was built after the mo- 
del of Solomon's Temple. Towers, minor sanctuaries, sepuichers, courts, 
divans, baths, and streets of priestly cells, were contained within its vast 
precincts. The remains of their works of art — porticoes, ornamented cy- 
lindrical columns, palaces with facades decorated with magnificent scroll 
ornaments, statues sculptured in a pure classical style, vases of beautiful 
shapes and fine workmanship, show a refinement which could have be- 
longed to no barbarous people. 

"The evidences of a beautiful system of hieroglyphics which were un- 
known to the Mexicans, planispheres and zodiacs superior to those of 
Egypt, show that this people had made a great progress in literature and 
science. 

"Who was this remarkable people? is a question of great interest. 
What was their origin? How did they get possession of America? With 
what people of antiquity can they be identified ? 

" It is conjectured that they were a branch of the Cyclopean family, 
whose traces are found all over the ancient civilized world. The evi- 
dences of this people are perfectly distinct. They were a gigantic race, 
who, under the names of the Titans of early history, inhabited Greece: 
as Canaanites and descendants of Anak, they inhabited Syria, where they 
were expelled by Joshua; as shepherd kings they had possession of Egypt. 
Wherever they dwelt, they have left the same remarkable and distinct 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 37 

They are represented to have been in possession of 
many Masonic symbols and ceremonies. They had 
among them private associations, which have been 
thought to bear a strong resemblance to our Masonic 
Lodges.* 

traces. These are their peculiar buildings and monuments. The sacred 
historian describes the Titans of Syria as a people that ' built cities with 
walls and towers reaching to heaven.' Their gigantic architecture is 
everywhere visible. Its remains may be seen in Syria and Italy; and in 
Egypt it is seen in their Pyramids, which are universally acknowledged 
to be of Cyclopean origin. Now (says a writer in the Foreign Quarterly 
Review), the monumental structures in Mexico can be clearly identified 
with those of the old world. The Indians of Mexico told the Spaniards 
that these temples and monuments were ' built by giants, and a peoplo 
called the wandering builders or Masons.', But evidence in the architec- 
ture, more clearly identifies them with the Cyclopean family, which built 
the Pyramids of Egypt, and the monuments of Syria. The pyramidal 
form in the monuments of New Spain, is clearly Cyclopean. Triangu- 
lar arches of stones of receding steps, without the keystone, gateways, and 
descending galleries of a peculiar construction, are all Egyptian. The 
great Pyramid of Cholulu, in Mexico, exhibits a perfect identity with the 
model of the Temple of Belus, as described by Herodotus, consisting as 
it does, of eight graduated square towers, rising one above the other, and 
terminating in a pointed sanctuary. If space admitted, these analogies 
might be extended without number. The architectural ornaments, the 
sculptures, the symbols of worship, the tokens of their mythology, as 
shown by the sculptures and paintings, all remarkably support the Egyp- 
tian analogy. Another circumstance which seems to confirm their iden- 
tity with the Cyclopean family, is their astronomical system. The Tul- 
tecans and Mexicans had eighteen zodiacal signs, and consequently, eigh- 
teen months. This differs entirely from the Egyptian system, but it cor- 
responds precisely with that of the Etrurians, who were descended from 
a branch of the Cyclopean family; and both the numerals and the sym- 
bols of the Etrurians were the same as those of the Mexicans. 

" Our space will not allow us to give the explanation of the manner 
in which they might have passed over to America. But as we know that 
the Carthaginians attained such skill in navigation as to have circumna- 
vigated the Cape of Good Hope, the hypothesis does not seem improba- 
ble that the Phoenician Cyclopeans, 'during their compulsory wander- 
ings, or their commercial enterprises, may have reached America from 
the south-eastern shores of Asia and the Indian Archipelago." 

* " Religious Ceremonies of Various Nations." 



38 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Their rules of government, and admission of mem 
bers, are said to have been nearly the same. They had 
different degrees in the order, and the ceremonies of ini- 
tiation, and the manner of passing from one degree to 
another, were such as to leave no doubt that the associ- 
ation was of European or Asiatic origin. 

It has been contended that these tribes, or nations, de- 
rived their knowledge, in these particulars, from a colo- 
ny of Welsh adventurers, who are reputed to have set- 
tled on this continent three hundred and twenty-two 
years before the arrival of Columbus. But the Welsh 
at that time were more barbarous than the Mexicans 
themselves.* 

And how could a handful of ignorant mountaineers, 
understanding no language but the imperfect jargon of 
their own little principality, influence, in the period of 
three centuries, an immense and hitherto unknown con- 
tinent ? Beside, a similar association is said to have ex- 
isted, at a very recent date, among the Iroquois Indians, 
who have never been suspected to be of Welsh extraction. 
This fact is derived from a late illustrious Brother of New 
York (De Witt Clinton), to whom it was communicated 
by a respectable Indian preacher, who received the signs 
of the mystery from a Menonie Chief. The Institution, 
therefore, probably existed among the Menonies as well 
as other Indians. The members were few and select. 
Among the Iroquois, the society consisted of five Onei- 
das, two Cayugas, two St. Regis, and six Senecas. 

From all these circumstances, it has been conjectured 
that Freemasonry existed on this continent prior to its 
discovery by Columbus. 

* Humboldt says, that « in the infancy of Christianity, Mexico was 
in a more advanced state of civilization than Denmark, Sweden, and 
Russia." 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 39 

If the Americans derived their origin from the Car- 
thaginians, or from any portion of the Ten Tribes, after 
the dispersion of Israel, the presumption that they 
brought the secret mysteries of Freemasonry with them, 
is, by no means, irrational, inasmuch as our forms, cere- 
monies, and traditions, furnish satisfactory evidence that 
if Freemasonry did not originate at the erection of Solo- 
mon's Temple, it there received many of its present dis- 
tinguishing characteristics. The Carthaginian Empire 
was founded, and the dispersion of Israel took place 
about seven hundred years before the Christian Era ; or 
about three centuries after the building of the Temple. 
It is, therefore, not impossible — we do not say it is proba- 
ble — that Freemasonry may have been introduced into this 
continent through one of these channels. Some learned 
men have suggested, that the post-diluvian earth was 
originally one continent ; and that America was peopled 
from Central Asia, before the dismemberment of the 
two hemispheres ; and that the wanderers brought with 
them, over dry land, the manners, arts, arms, and civili- 
zation of Central Asia.* 



* Sir William Jones says, that the religion of Mexico and Peru wa.3 
substantially the same as that practiced by the various nations of the 
Eastern Hemisphere. The following legendary account of their original 
population, given by the Mexican Priests to the candidate on his initia- 
tion into their mysteries, bears such a striking analogy to the settling of 
the Israelites in the promised land, that some authors have conjectured 
that it proceeded from a tradition of the deliverance of that people from 
their Egyptian captivity, and their subsequent wanderings in the wilder- 
ness. A warlike tribe of Noah Americans, says the legend, under an 
experienced chief, and directed by the god Vitzliputzli, who, holding in 
his hand a rod formed like a serpent,* was seated in a square arks made of 



1 The rod of Moses was changed into a serpent. Exod. iv, 3. 

2 The Israelites were accompanied by an ark (Josh, iii, 1), which was 
esteemed the throne of God. 



40 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

These speculations will probably be regarded by a 
majority of our readers, as rather matters of curiosity 
than of real importance. They, however, possess a pe- 
culiar interest to the antiquary, and are a source of the 
highest gratification to the intelligent Mason, who de- 
lights to revel amid the decayed monuments and broken 
columns of the primitive ages of our Institution (Free- 
mason's Monthly Mag.) 

reeds, 3 called the throne of thegod4 (teoicpalli), the four angles of which 
were surrounded by serpents' heads. 5 The ark was borne by four 
priests; o and thus protected, the people set out in quest of a settlement; 
assured by the god that they should conquer every enemy who might be 
rash enough to oppose their designs. 7 They marched and encamped by 
the direction of Vitzliputzli, 8 who, during the continuance of an extended 
rest, revealed the mode of worship 9 which was most acceptable to him; 
and dictated a code of laws to be used when they had taken possession of 
the land of promise; and also distinctly marked the place of their settle- 
ment to be upon a lake, abounding with the lotus; on the borders of which 
they should find a fig-tree growing out of a rock, where was perched an 
eagle in the act of devouring its prey. In the midst of their encamp- 
ment a tabernacle was erected, which contained an altar i o for the recep- 
tion of the sacred ark, on which their God was triumphantly seated. 
After a long and tedious expedition, they arrived at the precise spot which 
had been pointed out, and finding the prescribed tokens, they built the 
city of Mexico on an island in the midst of the waters; 1 1 furnished it 
with a pyramidal temple, i 2 and soon became a populous and flourishing 
nation. — (History of Initiation.) 

3 Purch. Pilgr., b. viii, c. 10. 
4Humb. Res., vol. i, p. 216. 

5 These corresponded with the horns of the Israelitish altar. Exod. 
xxxviii, 2. 

6 Vide Deut. xi, 8 ; Josh, vi, 6. 

7 Deut. vii, 17, 21. 

8 Robertson's Amer., b. iv, sec. 8; Exod. xi, 36. 

9 Exod. xxiv, 12. 
i o Exod. ix, 2, 3. 

1 1 Purch. Pilgr., b. viii, c. 10. 

12 Humb. Res., vol, i, p. 81. 



t J \ 



*i 






HISTORY OF MASONRY. 



4] 



*, 



FREEMASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

The introduction of Freemasonry into the United 
States, is, comparatively, of recent date. It was not 
until the country had, in some degree, changed its sav- 
age features, that the lessons of Masonry were openly 
inculcated in it. Whether the delay was owing to the 
prejudices of the first settlers, or to their humble and nar- 
now circumstances, it is unnecessary to inquire. Cer- 
tain it is, the Commission for holding the first Lodge, 
did not issue until the year 1733; when, upon the appli- 
cation of a number of Brethren residing in Boston, a 
Warrant was granted by the Most Worshipful Anthony, 
Lord Viscount Montagu, Grand Master of Masons in 
England, dated 30th April, 5773, appointing the Right 
Worshipful Henry Price, Grand Master in North Ameri- 
ca, with full power and authority to appoint his Deputy, 
and other masonic officers necessary for forming a Grand 
Lodge ; and, also, to constitute Lodges of Free and 
Accepted Masons, as often as occasion should require. 

In consequence of this commission, the Grand Master 
opened a Grand Lodge, at Boston, on 30th July, 5733, 
in due form, and appointed a Deputy Grand Master and 
Grand Wardens. 

The Grand Lodge, being thus organized under the 
name of St. John's Grand Lodge, proceeded to grant 
Warrants for constituting Lodges in various parts of 
America; and from this Grand Lodge originated the 
first Lodges in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary- 
land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and 
several of the West India Islands. 

There was at the same time also, a Grand Lodge in 
4 .* 



j 



t 



e 



42 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Boston under the designation of the "Massachusetts 
Grand Lodge," which originated as follows : 

In 5752, a number of persons residing in Boston, in 
consequence of a petition to the Grand Lodge of Scot- 
land, received a deputation, dated November 30, 5752, 
from Sholto, Charles Douglass, Lord Aberdour, then 
Grand Master, constituting them a regular Lodge, under 
the name of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 82, to be holden 
in Boston. This establishment was discouraged and op- 
posed by St. John's Grand Lodge, who thought their 
privileges infringed by the Grand Lodge of Scotland; 
they, therefore, refused to have any intercourse with St. 
Andrew's Lodge for several years. 

The prosperous state of St. Andrew's Lodge, soon led 
its members to make great exertions for the establish- 
ment of an ancient Grand Lodge in America, which was 
effected on the 27th December, 5769, by virtue of a 
Commission from the Eight Honorable and Most Wor- 
shipful George, Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master of 
Masons in Scotland, dated 30th May, 5769. By this 
authority, Joseph Warren, Esq., was appointed Grand 
Master of Masons in Boston, and within one hundred 
miles of the same. The Grand Master and other Grand 
Officers were installed according to ancient usage, and 
the Grand Lodge completely organized. 

Between this period and the year 5792, the two Grand 
Lodges granted warrants of Constitution for Lodges to 
be holden in different parts of the United States. 

On the 19th June, 5792, a complete union took place 
between St. John's Grand Lodge, and the Massachu- 
setts Grand Lodge, under the style and title of the 
" Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons 
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ;" all invidious 
distinctions were buried in oblivion, and the rival socie- 



HISTORY OF MASONRY. 43 

ties united their efforts to accomplish the objects of their 
institution. 

In the United States, the fraternity has flourished 
during the short period which has elapsed since its in- 
troduction, to a degree which, without the patronage of 
wealth and power, could scarcely have been expected. 
In our Lodges, natives of all climates, and citizens of 
every government, assemble to reciprocate the sentiments 
and emotions, and mingle in the enjoyments which the 
occasion affords, while the adventitious distinctions of 
country and language, of fortune and power, are lost in 
the character of Citizens of the world, and brothers of 
the same family. 



SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 

This magnificent structure was founded in the f'ourtn 
year of the reign of Solomon, on the 2d day of the 
month Zif, being the second month in the sacred year, 
in the year of the world 2992, and 480th year after Ex- 
odus, and before the Christian Era 1012. It was located 
on Mount Moriah, near the place where the faith of 
Abraham was tried, when he was commanded to offer his 
son Isaac upon the altar, and where David met and ap- 
peased the destroying angel, by erecting an altar in the 
thrashing-floor of Araunah, the Jebusite. David had 
made great preparations for building the Temple, and 
had collected a vast quantity of gold and silver, and 
other metals and materials before his death. The legacy 
bequeathed to Solomon for that purpose, is thus de- 
scribed by David himself in the 14th, 15th, and 16th 
verses of the 1st Book of Chronicles: "Now behold, 



44 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

in my trouble I have prepared for the House of the 
Lord, one hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thou- 
sand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and Iron 
without weight, for it is in abundance ; timber, also, and 
stone have I prepared. Moreover, there are workmen 
in abundance, hewers, and workers of stone and timber, 
and all manner of cunning men for every manner of 
work. Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the 
iron, there is no number." 

A correspondent in the Philadelphia Evening Journal, 
to give some idea of the enormous amount of this lega- 
cy, has made an estimate in pounds, shillings, and pence; 
and also in dollars and cents, of the "talents of gold," 
and the "talents of silver" here referred to. A talent 
of silver, like those bequeathed by David, is £353, lis. 
IQd., and, consequently, a thousand thousand talents of 
silver (1,000,000) would amount to £353,591,666. A 
"talent of gold" is £5,975, 15s. Id., and a hundred thou- 
sand talents of gold, therefore, amount to £507,577,916. 
So that these two items alone of David's bequest 
amounted to the enormous sum of £861,169,582, or 
$3,827,420,364! Supposing this to be all silver, it 
would weigh 100,510 tons, and would require 50,255 
wagons at two tons each. Allowing 60 feet to each 
wagon and horses, 671 miles would be covered. It 
would make 109 banks of $35,000,000 each; and leave 
a fraction of $12,420,364. The annual interest would 
amount to $229,645,221,— the daily interest to $629,- 
161, — the hourly interest to $26,215, — the interest per 
minute to $437, — and per second $7,28. 

Solomon ascended the throne in the eighteenth year 
of his age, and two years before the death of David. — 
He immediately made contracts with foreign princes to 
furnish materials to carry on the stupendous works ; he 



SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 45 

caused a census to be taken of all the Canaanitish and 
other slaves in Israel, that he might arrange his labors, 
and send abroad for the most skillful artificers and the 
richest materials. He found 153,600 men* He engaged 
the co-operation of Hiram, king of Tyre, and of the 
most skillful artist of that or any other age, called in 
the Philistine dialect Abdonemus, but in the old consti- 
tutions, Amom, or Hiram Abbiff, as his assisting Grand 
Master of the work. Under them were 300 Herodim, 
or princes; 3,300 Menatzchim, or expert Master Masons, 
as overseers; 80,000 Ghiblim, sculptors; Ishchotzeb, 
hewers ; and Benai, layers, who were ingenious Fellow- 
crafts. Beside a levy out of Israel of 30,000 men, un- 
der Adoniram, the Grand Junior Warden; making in all 
113,600 Masons, exclusive of the two Grand Wardens 
employed in the noble undertaking. Beside these, there 
were 70,000 Ishsabbal, or men of burden, Entered Ap- 
prentices. 

All these were classed and arranged in such a manner, 
by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord, 
nor confusion were suffered to interrupt or disturb the 
peace and good fellowship which prevailed among the 
workmen. Josephus informs us, that although more 
than seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during 
the whole term, it did not rain in the daytime, that the 
workmen might not be obstructed in their labor. From 
sacred history we also learn, that there was not the 
sound of ax, or hammer, or any tool of iron, heard in 
the house while it was building. 

The Temple faced the east. On the rear, or west 
side was the lowest part of the city, and on the south 
was a valley and the principal peak of Mount Sion. 
There was a gate on each side, together with an addi- 
tional one on the west-southwest side, that led to the 



46 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

king's house or palace, which stood across the valley, 
and communicated with the Temple by a terrace walk. 
At each of the gates was a guard-house ; at the south 
gate were two additional houses, called Asuppim, where 
the Wardens of the court probably assembled and stored 
their utensils, and arms, etc., and there were similar 
houses in each of the four corners of the court. In the 
center of this court, was the Priests' Court, which was 
an oblong square of one hundred and fifty feet in length 
and seventy-five feet in width. There were three doors to 
this court opening from the North-East and South. This 
court was divided by a partition wall through the center, 
which made two inner courts of equal extent, the inner- 
most, or new court, containing the Temple, and the outer 
one the Priests' Court, containing in its center the altar 
of burnt offerings. A gate opened from this last court 
directly in front of the grand porch of the Temple. This 
porch, which was in front of the Temple, it is said, was 
magnificent. It was thirty-six feet long and eighteen 
feet wide. On either side of the entrance, was a beau- 
tiful brass pillar, splendidly worked, particularly the 
capitals. The precise hight of these pillars it is difficult 
to determine; but they were six feet in diameter.* On 
either side of the porch, winding stairs ascended, lead- 
ing into the chambers of the Temple. Directly in front 
of the entrance into the porch, was the door which led 
into the main room, or Sanctuary. This door was made 
of olive-wood, beautifully and heavily carved, and over- 
laid with gold. The moldings of the door, according 
to Josephus, were of brass and silver. The sanctuary 
was a most magnificent room ; on whichever side the 



* Being of the Corinthian order, which is ten diameters, they were 
Sixty feet, or forty cubits high. 



SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 47 

eyes were turned, no wood or stone work was to be 
seen, it was all pure and shining gold. The floor and 
the ceiling, and much of the walls, were of cedar, carved 
with "knops and flowers," but all overlaid with pure 
gold. The chambers, of which there were three tiers 
of thirty each, were built in the wall of the Temple, all 
around both the sanctuary and the oracle. At the ex- 
tremity of the sanctuary, was made a partition by the 
chains of gold before the oracle. It is supposed, this 
partition, which is called the "vail of the Temple," was 
a strong wall with a door in the center, before which 
was hung a curtain upon a chain of gold. This opened 
into the oracle, or most holy place, where was deposited 
the Ark of God. This room was thirty feet in length, 
breadth, and hight. The work of the walls and floor 
was similar to that of the sanctuary, though probably 
more costly and highly finished. The altar was made 
of cedar, and covered with gold. There were also 
erected in this room two cherubim, of olive-wood, fifteen 
feet each in hight, and their wings measuring, from tip 
to tip, each fifteen feet. These beautiful and sacred or- 
naments, whose wings, together, reached across the Tem- 
ple, were also covered with pure gold. The main walks 
of the Temple were marble, the roof of board, and 
beams of cedar. The Temple was lighted by "win- 
dows with narrow lights." 

Eleven months after its completion, at the Feast of 
the Tabernacles, the dedication took place. The Taber- 
nacle of Moses and its holy relics being lodged in the 
Temple, Solomon, in a general assembly of his people, 
dedicated and consecrated it by solemn prayer and costly 
sacrifices, and upon fixing the ark in its proper place be- 
tween the cherubim, "the fire came down from heaven 



48 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices, and 
the glory of the Lord filled the house." 

At the dedication, Solomon had a brazen scaffold 
built, upon which he stood and addressed the congrega- 
tion and prayed. This was before the brazen altar of 
the Priests' Court. It seems, that afterward he built an 
ivory throne, and overlaid it with gold; but whether 
this throne was situated there or in the Temple, we are 
at a loss to determine. If the "pillar" and the throne 
are one, it was undoubtedly before the altar in the court. 
This throne doubtless had a covering, like the thrones 
and presidential seats of the present day, and this is what 
was probably meant by the "covert of the Sabbath," 
A monstrous brazen basin, or "molten sea," was built in 
the court, which was fifteen feet from brim to brim, 
seven feet deep, and forty -five feet in circumference. 
This was placed on twelve brazen oxen, and was used 
by the Priests to wash in. There were also ten lavers 
to wash the burnt-offerings in. Ten candlesticks, ten ta- 
bles, and a hundred basins, all of gold, were arranged in 
the Temple. There were also thousands of other in- 
struments, vessels, and ornaments, all of them of the 
purest gold and the finest workmanship, adorning this 
magnificent structure. The immense cost of this Tem- 
ple, as beautiful in its workmanship as it was rich in 
materials, we have never seen estimated. 

Solomon was wise in all ancient learning; he was 
possessed of all mystical knowledge of the eastern na- 
tions, and was enlightened by the immediate gift of hea- 
ven: and in the conduct of this great work we cannot but 
admire his wisdom. He discovered the great necessity 
there was to assign to portions of his workmen the par- 
ticular labor they were to pursue ; he gave them certain 
words, signs, and tokens, by which each rank should be 



SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 



49 



distinguished, in order that the whole might proceed 
without confusion. It was the custom of the times in 
which the temple was erected, to use emblematical and 
symbolical ornaments in public edifices; a fashion de- 
rived from the hieroglyphic monuments of the Egyp- 
tians, and the mysterious mode in which their sages 
concealed their wisdom and learning from the vulgar eye, 
and communicated scientific knowledge tg those of their 
own order only. The pillars erected at the porch of the 
Temple, were not only ornamented with net-work, lily- 
work, and pomegranates, but also carried with them an 
emblematical import in their names. They were regarded 
as a striking memento of the promise of God, that he 
would establish the throne of David, and make the na- 
tion of Israel strong in his might. 

Solomon reigned about thirty years, after the completion 
of the Temple, unequaledin prosperity, in fame, in wisdom, 
wealth, and magnificence. But as his glory left him in his 
latter years, so his gorgeous edifice soon after ceased to exist. 

This Temple remained about thirty-four years in its 
glory, when Shishak, king of Egypt, took Jerusalem 
and carried away its treasures, A. M., 3033. Under 
Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah, it was much decayed, 
but Jehoida, and Joash repaired it about A. M., 3150. 
Ahaz, king of Judah, having bought the assistance of 
Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, against the kings of 
Syria and Damascus, who were at war with him, robbed 
the Temple of its riches, to give to this foreign king. 
Not content with that, he profaned it by setting up 
therein an altar copied from one he had seen at Damas- 
cus, and taking away the brazen altar that Solomon had 
made. He also took away the brazen sea from off the 
brazen oxen that supported it, and the brass basins from^ 
their pedestals, and the king's throne, to prevent their 






50 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

being carried off by the king of Assyria. He pillaged the 
Temple, broke the sacred vessels, and shut up the house 
of God. 

Hezekiah, the son and successor of Ahaz, opened and 
repaired the gates of the Temple ; restored the worship 
of the Lord, and caused new sacred vessels to be made. 
But in the 14th year of his reign, Sennacherib, king of 
Assyria, coming with an army into the land of Judah, 
Hezekiah was forced to take the riches of the Temple to 
give them to the king of Assyria. 

Manasseh, profaned the Temple by setting up altars 
and idols by which he worshiped the host of heaven, 
even in the courts. Manasseh was taken prisoner by the 
king of Babylon, who loaded him with chains, and car- 
ried him beyond the Euphrates. Here he repented of 
his sins, and being restored to his dominions, he took 
away the idols he had erected, destroyed their altars, 
and set up the altar of burnt-offerings, upon which he 
offered his sacrifices. 

Josiah, king of Judah, repaired the edifices of the 
Temple, which had been either neglected or demolished 
by his predecessors. He also commanded the Priests 
and Levites to replace the Ark of the Lord in the sanc- 
tuary. 

A. M., 3398, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, 
took away a part of the sacred vessels, and placed them 
in the Temple of Belus at Babylon, under the reign of 
Jehoiakim, king of Judah. He also carried away others 
in the reign of Jeconiah, A. M., 3405; and in the ele- 
venth year of the reign of Zedekiah, he took Jerusalem, 
and entirely destroyed the Temple, A. M., 3416. 

The Temple continued in ruins fifty-two years, when 
Cyrus, king of Persia, A. M., 3468, permitted the Jews to 
return to Jerusalem, and rebuild the Temple of the 



SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 



51 



Lord. It was finally utterly destroyed, and in order that 
the destruction might be complete, the stones were re- 
moved and the foundation plowed up; thus fulfilling 
the prophesy of Christ : 

"And Jesus answering said unto him, seest thou these 
great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon 
another that shall not be thrown down." (Mark ch. 
xiii, v. 2.) 



PART II 



THE SYMBOLIC CHART. 

A LODGE OPENING AND CLOSING. 

A Lodge is a certain number of Masons, usually not 
under seven, assembled together, with the Holy Bible 
Square and Compass and a Charter or Warrant from 
the proper authority empowering them to congregate and 
work in a constitutional manner; and when duly assem- 
bled for that purpose, the ceremony of calling them to 
order for the transaction of business, is termed Opening 
the Lodge, and that of releasing them from their labors, 
is termed Closing the Lodge ; which ceremonies are per- 
formed in a manner peculiar to the Craft, and from a 
participation in which no brother present can claim any 
exemption; and it is the duty of the Master or presiding 
officer, with the assistance of his auxiliaries, to see that all 
the requisitions are strictly complied with ; and although 
some discrepancies may be observed in the minutiae of 
the ceremony ^used in different lodges, yet uniformity pre- 
vails in the essential portions, in every lodge, and zeal 
and application would readily perfect whatever variations 
might be found to exist. 

At the opening of the Lodge, two purposes are wisely 
effected. The Master is forcibly reminded of the dig- 
nity of the elevated station which he occupies as the 
presiding Officer of the Lodge. For a pattern of imita- 
tion, he is to consider the great luminary of nature, 
which, rising in the East at the opening of the day, re- 
gularly diffuses light and luster to all within its circle ; so 
in like manner it is his province to spread and communi- 
cate light and instruction to the Brethren of the Lodge, 
52 * ' 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



53 



who look with confidence to him as possessing experience 
and skill to discharge the important duties of his station 
with honor and credit. The Brethren are at the same 
time impressed with a due sense of the reverence and 
respect due from them in their respective stations. 

At the opening and closing of the Lodge solemn 
prayer should be made, by the Chaplain, if present, if 
not, by the Master or Orator ; suitable forms are attached 
which may be used. 

If it should be deemed necessary that the Lodge be 
opened in the several degrees, for dispatch of business, 
when that in the first degree shall have been finished, 
the "W. Master, after due inquiry of the Wardens and 
Brethren, will proclaim it to be his will and pleasure 
that the Entered Apprentices' degree be dispensed with 
for the purpose of opening on the Fellow-Crafts' degree, 
and all who are not Fellow-Crafts are requested to re- 
tire. When the necessary precautions are taken that 
none remain but those who are entitled to this privilege, 
the sentinel is again reminded of his duty, and the Fel- 
low-Crafts' degree opened in due form. When the busi- 
ness in this degree shall have been finished, the Lodge 
is dispensed with, as in the first degree, and a Master's 
Lodge opened in due form. After the business in the 
Master's Degree is finished, the Lodge is closed and the 
labors of the Fellow-Crafts' resumed; if nothing should 
offer in this degree, the Lodge is closed and the labors 
of the Entered Apprentices' resumed. Should nothing 
further offer in this degree, the records of the evening 
having been read and approved, the Lodge is closed in 
due and ancient form. 

These are but faint outlines of the ceremonies which 
prevail among Masons in every country, and distinguish 
all their meetings. 






54 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

POMS OF PRAYERS, CHARGES, ETC. 

A PRAYER USED ON OPENING A LODGE. 

Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect 
of the universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces : 
Thou hast promised, that "where two or three are gath- 
ered together in thy name, thou wilt be in the midst of 
them, and bless them." In thy name we assemble, most 
humbly beseeching thee to bless us in all our undertak- 
ings, that we may know and serve thee aright, and that 
all our actions may tend to thy glory, and to our ad- 
vancement in knowledge and virtue. And we beseech 
thee, O Lord God, to bless our present assembling, and 
to illuminate our minds, by the divine precepts of thy holy 
word, and teach us to walk in the light of thy countenance ; 
and when the trials of our probationary state are over, 
be admitted into THE TEMPLE "not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens." So mote it be. Amen. 

A PRAYER AT CLOSING. 

Supreme Architect of the universe, accept our humble 
praises for the many mercies and blessings which thy 
bounty has conferred on us, and especially for this 
friendly and social intercourse. Pardon, we beseech 
thee, whatever thou hast seen amiss in us since we have 
been together ; and continue to us thy presence, protection, 
and blessing. Make us sensible of the renewed obliga- 
tions we are under to love thee supremely, and to be 
friendly to each other. May all our irregular passions 
be subdued, and may we daily increase in Faith, Hope, 
and Charity; but more especially in that Charity which 
is the bond of peace, and the perfection of every virtue. 
May we so practice thy precepts, that through their in- 
fluence and thy mercy we may finally obtain thy pro- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 55 

mises, and find an entrance through the gates into the 
temple and city of our God. So mote it be. Amen. 

BENEDICTION AT CLOSING. 

May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regu- 
lar Masons! May brotherly love prevail, and every 
moral and social virtue cement us! So mote it be. 
Amen. 

CHARGE AT CLOSING. 

Brethren, — We are now about to quit this sacred 
retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the 
world. Amid its concerns and employments, forget not 
the duties which you have heard so frequently incul- 
cated, and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be 
diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember, that 
you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother, 
who shall need your assistance. You have promised, in 
the most friendly manner to remind him of his errors, and 
aid a reformation. These generous principles are to ex- 
tend further. Every human being has a claim upon 
your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it 
more "especially to the household of the faithful." — 
Finally, Brethren, be ye all of one mind ; live in peace ; 
and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell 
with and bles-s you. 



ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES. 
By the Regulations of the Fraternity, no candidate 
for the mysteries of Masonry can be initiated in any 
regular Lodge, without having stood proposed one lunar 
month, unless a dispensation be obtained in his favor. 
All applications for initiation should be made in writing. 
The following is a suitable form : 



56 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren 
of Lodge, No. , of Ancient, Free, and Accepted 

Masons : 

The petition of the Subscriber respectfully represents, that entertain- 
ing a favorable opinion of your Ancient Institution, he is desirous of 
being- admittted a member thereof, if found worthy. 

His place of residence is ; his age years; his occupation 

is that of 

C. D. Recommender, 



E. F. Avoucher. A - R 

The petition having been read in open Lodge, a com 
mittee is then appointed to investigate the character and 
qualifications of the petitioner to which it is referred. If 
at the next regular meeting of the Lodge, the report of the 
committee be favorable, and the candidate accepted, he is 
taken into an adjoining apartment, and required to give his 
free and full assent to the following Interrocmtories: 

1. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that 
unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary mo- 
tives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candi- 
date for the mysteries of Masonry? Ans. I do. 

2. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that 
you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by 
a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire 
of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to 
your fellow creatures? Ans. I do. 

3. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you 
will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established 
usages and customs of the Fraternity? Ans. I do. 

The following is recommended also to be propounded : 
Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you 

have never petitioned any other Lodge for initiation and 

been rejected? 

The candidate, if no objection be urged to the contrary, 

is then introduced in due and ancient form. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



57 



ENTERED APPRENTICES' DEGREE. 

The first lecture of Masonry is divided into three 
sections. In it is taught the necessity of a free heart, 
and morals unsullied by vicious propensities. In the 
approach to the Altar of Masonry, virtue is painted in 
beautiful colors, and the sublime truths of morality are 
enforced in a manner peculiar to Masons. In it we are 
taught lessons, which are impressed upon our minds by 
lively and sensible images, to influence our conduct in the 
proper discharge of our duties of social life. No Mason 
can discharge his duties with propriety, without a 
familiar acquaintance with this first step of the Masonic 
ladder. 

Few have ever received this degree of Masonry, when 
properly conferred, without being forcibly struck with 
its beauty. Expectations are no doubt sometimes dis- 
appointed. But let him follow the lecture; let him listen 
to the second section, and learn the meaning of the cere- 
monies he has passed through, and he cannot retire dis- 
appointed and dissatisfied. It is therefore of importance, 
that the Master of a Lodge should not only qualify him- 
self to conduct the actual rites of initiation, but he should 
become intimately acquainted with the lectures in each 
degree, that he may be enabled to give the candidate 
a correct and adequate idea of the extent, object, de- 
sign and tendency of the first lesson he is taught in 
Masonry. 



58 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

THE FIRST SECTION. 

Consists of general heads, which, though short, carry 
weight with them. They not only serve as marks of 
distinction, but communicate useful and interesting know- 
ledge, when they are duly investigated. 

They qualify us to try and examine the rights of 
others to our privileges, while they prove ourselves ; and 
as they induce us to inquire more minutely into other parti- 
culars of greater importance, they serve as introduction to 
subjects more amply explained in the following sections : 

A PRAYER USED AT THE INITIATION OF A CANDIDATE. 

Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the uni- 
verse, to this our present convention ; and grant that this 
candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life 
to thy service, and become a true and faithful brother 
among us! Indue him with a competency of thy di- 
vine wisdom, that by the secrets of our art he may be 
better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the 
honor of thy holy name! So mote it be. Amen. 

The following passage of Scripture is rehearsed during 
the ceremony: 

Behold ! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren 
to dwell together in unity : 

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran 
down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went 
down to the skirts of his garment: 

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended 
upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord com- 
manded the blessing, even life forevermore. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



59 





The lamb-skin, or white leather apron, is an emblem 
of innocence, and the badge of a Mason; more ancient 
than the golden fleece, or Roman Eagle; more honorable 
than the star and garter, or any other order that could be 
conferred upon the candidate at that or any future period, 
by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he 
be a Mason; and Avhich every one ought to wear with 
pleasure to himself, and honor to the Fraternity. 

This section closes with an explanation of the work- 
ing tools, which are the twenty-four inch gauge and the 
common gavel. 



60 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 




The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument used by- 
operative masons to measure and lay out their work; but 
we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make 
use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of di- 
viding our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal 
parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the 
day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts ; 
whereby are found eight hours for the service of God, 
and a distressed worthy brother ; eight for our usual vo- 
cations; and eight for refreshment and sleep. 

The common gavel is an instrument made use of by 
operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, 
the better to fit them for the builder's use ; but we, as 
Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it 
for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our 
hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities 
of life ; thereby fitting our minds as living stones for that 
building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



61 



SECOND SECTION. 

The second section rationally accounts for the cer- 
emony of initiating a candidate into our ancient Institu- 
tion. 




THE BADGE OF A MASON. 

Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented with a 
lamb-shin, or white leather apron. 

The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of 
innocence: the lamb-skin is, therefore, to remind him of 
that purity of life and conduct, which is so essentially 
necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial 
Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the uni- 
verse presides. 

SECTION THIRD. 

The third section explains the nature and principles of 
our Constitution. Here also we receive instructions re- 
lative to the form, supports, covering, furniture, orna- 
ments, lights, and jewels of a Lodge, how it should be 
situated, and to whom dedicated. 




62 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 




From East to West, and between North and South, 
Freemasonry extends; and in every clime are Masons to 
be found. 




Our Institution is said to be supported by Wisdom, 
Strength, and Beauty ; because it is necessary that there 
be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to 
adorn, all great and important undertakings. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



63 




Its covering is no less than a clouded canopy, or a 
starry-decked heaven, where all good Masons hope at 
last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder, which 
Jacob, in his vision, saw ascending from earth to heaven; 
the three principal rounds of which are denominated 
Faith, Hope, and Charity ; and which admonish us to 
have faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity to 
all mankind. 

The greatest of these is Charity ; for our Faith may 
be lost in sight; Hope ends in fruition; but Charity ex- 
tends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of 
eternity. 




64 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Every well-governed Lodge is furnished with the Holy 
Scriptures, the Square, and the Compasses. 

The Holy Scriptures are dedicated to God ; the Square, 
to the Master; and the Compasses, to the Craft. 

The Scriptures are dedicated to God, because they are 
the inestimable gift of God to man; * * * the square to 
the Master, because it is the proper Masonic emblem of 
his office ; and the compasses to the Craft, because, by a 
due attention to their uses, they are taught to circum- 
scribe their desires, and to keep their passions within due 
bounds. 




The Ornaments of a Lodge, are the Mosaic pave- 
ment, the indented tessel, and the blazing star. The 
Mosaic pavement is a representation of the ground floor 
of King Solomon's Temple ; the indented tessel, that 
beautifully-tesselated border, or skirting, which surrounded 
it ; and the blazing star in the center, is commemorative 
of the star which appeared to guide the wise men of the 
east to the place of our Saviour's nativity. 

The Mosaic pavement is emblematical of human life, 
chequered with good and evil; the beautiful border 
which surrounds it, those manifold blessings and com- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



65 



forts which surround us, and which we hope to enjoy by 
a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hiero- 
glyphically represented by the blazing star in the center. 




The movable and immovable jewels also claim our 
attention in this section. 




The rough ashler is a stone as taken from the quarry 
in its rude and natural state. 

The perfect ashler is a stone made ready by the hands 
of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of 
the Fellowcraft. The trestle-board is for the master 
workman to draw his designs upon. 
6 



66 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 






By the rough ashler, we are reminded of our rude and 
imperfect state by nature; by the perfect ashler, that 
state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a vir- 
tuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of 
God; and by the trestle-board, we are also reminded, 
that as the operative workman erects his temporal build- 
ing agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the 
Master, on his trestle-board, so should we, both operative 
and speculative, endeavor to erect our spiritual building 
agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the 
Supreme Architect of the universe, in the great books 
of nature and revelation, which are our spiritual, moral, 
and Masonic trestle-board. 




SYMBOLIC CHART. 
B | 



67 




Lodges were anciently dedicated to King Solomon, as 
it is said he was the first Most Excellent Grand Master: 
yet Masons professing Christianity dedicate theirs to St. 
John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist, who 
were two eminent Christian patrons of Masonry; and, 
since their time, there is represented, in every regular 
and well-governed Lodge, a certain point within a cir- 
cle,* embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, re- 
presenting St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evan- 
gelist; and upon the top rest the Holy Scriptures. In 
going round this circle, we necessarily touch upon these 
two lines, as well as the Holy Scriptures; and while a 
Mason keeps himself circumscribed within their pre- 
cepts, it is impossible that he should materially err. 

OF BROTHERLY LOVE. 

By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to re- 
gard the whole human species as one family; the hign 

* The point represents an individual Brother; the circle is the boundary 
line, beyond which lie is never to suffer his prejudices or passions to be- 
tray him. 



68 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

and low, the rich and poor, who, as created by one Al- 
mighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are 
to aid, support, and protect each other. On this princi- 
ple, Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and 
opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who 
might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance. 

OF RELIEF. 

To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all 
men; but particularly on Masons, who are linked to- 
gether by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. — 
To soothe the unhappy; to sympathize with their mis- 
fortunes ; to compassionate their miseries, and to restore 
peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have 
in view. On this basis, we form our friendships, and 
establish our connections. 

OF TRUTH. 

Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every 
virtue. To be good and true, is the first lesson we are 
taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and 
by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct: hence, 
while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit 
are unknown among us ; sincerity and plain dealing dis- 
tinguish us; and the heart and tongue join in promoting 
each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's pros- 
perity. 

An explanation of the four Cardinal Virtues; which are, Tem- 
perance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. 

OF TEMPERANCE. 

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections 
and passions, which renders the body tame and governa,- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



69 



ble, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice — 
This virtue should be the constant practice of every Ma- 
son; as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or con- 
tracting any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence 
of which might lead him to disclose some of those valu- 
able secrets, which he has promised to conceal and never 
reveal, and which would consequently subject him to the 
contempt and detestation of all good Masons.***** 

OF FORTITUDE. 

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the 
mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, 
peril, or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. — 
This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cow- 
ardice; and, like the former, should be deeply impressed 
upon the mind of every Mason, as a safe-guard or secu- 
rity against any illegal attack that may be made, by 
force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valu- 
able secrets with which he has been so solemnly intrusted, 
and which were emblematically represented upon his first 
admission into the Lodge.***** 



OF PRUDENCE 



Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions 
agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by 
which we wisely judge, and prudentially determine, on 
all things relative to our present as well as to our future 
happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar charac- 
teristic of every Mason, not only for the government of 
his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in 
the world. It should be particularly attended to, in all 
strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least 
sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Masonry 
might be unlawfully obtained.***** 



70 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



OF JUSTICE. 

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which 
enables us to render to every man his just due, without 
distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with di- 
vine and human laws, but is the very cement and sup- 
port of civil society; and, as justice in a great measure 
constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invari- 
able practice of every good Mason, never to deviate from 
the minutest principles thereof.**** 

The illustration of these virtues is accompanied with 
some general observations peculiar to Masons. Due 
veneration is also paid to our ancient patrons. 




CHARGE AT INITIATION INTO THE FIRST DEGREE. 

Brother, — As you are now introduced into the first 
principles of Masonry, I congratulate you on being ac- 
cepted into this ancient and honorable order: — ancient, 
as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honora- 
ble, as tending, in every particular, so to render all men 
who will be conformable to its precepts. No institution 
was ever raised on a better principle, or more solid founda- 
tion; nor were ever more excellent rules or useful max- 
ims laid down, than are inculcated in the several Ma- 
sonic lectures. The greatest and best of men, in all 
ages, have been encouragers and promoters of the art; 
and have never deemed it derogatory to their dignity, to 
level themselves with the Fraternity, extend their privi- 
leges, and patronize their assemblies. There are three 
great duties, which, as a Mason, you are charged to in- 
culcate — to God, your neighbor, aad yourself. To God, 



SYMBOLIC CHAltf'. 72 

in never mentioning his name, but with that reverential 
awe which is due from a creature to his Creator; to implore 
his aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem him 
as the chief good : — to your neighbor, in acting upon the 
square, and doing unto him as you wish he should do 
unto you : — and to yourself, in avoiding all irregularity 
and intemperance, which may impair your faculties, or 
debase the dignity of your profession. A zealous attach- 
ment to these duties, will insure public and private esteem. 

In the State, you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, 
true to your government, and just to your country; you are 
not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently 
submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness, to 
the government of the country in which you live. In 
your outward demeanor, be particularly careful to avoid 
censure or reproach. 

Although your frequent appearance at our regular meet- 
ings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Masonry 
should interfere with your necessary vocations; for these 
are on no account to be neglected ; — neither are you to 
suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argu- 
ment with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. 

At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Ma- 
sonic knowledge, you are to converse with well-informed 
Brethren, who will be always as ready to give, as you 
will be ready to receive, instruction. 

Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the 
Order; as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the 
community, and mark your consequence among Masons. 
If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person 
desirous of being initiated into Masonry, be particularly 
attentive not to recommend him, unless you are convinced 
he will conform to our rules ; that the honor, glory, and 
reputation of the Institution, may be firmly established, 
and the world at large convinced of its good effects. 



72 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



PELIOWCRAFTS' DEGKEE. 

REMARKS ON THE SECOND DEGREE. 

Freemasonry, like all other sciences, is progressive, 
and this degree is but another round of the ladder which 
all good Masons desire to ascend. Therefore, when an 
initiate has been well and sufficiently taught in the ritual 
of the first degree, and has exhibited such proficiency as 
will entitle him to advancement, if he possesses an 
inquiring mind, eager in the pursuit of knowledge, he will 
apply for the additional light which this degree will 
shed upon that mental darkness which, as yet, "compre- 
hendeth it not," and in due time will present himself as a 
candidate for advancement. 

Wherever the situation and arrangement of the room 
will admit of it, movable fixtures should be arranged in 
their appropriate positions, in order to give more effect to 
the beauty of the ceremony, and the officers should be 
well skilled ~n all the minutiae of their duties. When 
such is the case, the mind of the candidate is expanded 
by the comprehension of a more diffusive system of 
knowledge and morality, and finally bows down with 
reverence and submission, in adoration of the Author of 
all nature. 

SECTION FIRST. 

The first section recapitulates the ceremony of initia. 
tion into this class; and instructs the diligent crafts- 
man how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the 
ceremonies used on the occasion. It should, therefore, 
be well understood by every officer and member of the 
Lodge. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



73 



The following passage of Scripture is rehearsed during 
the ceremony : 

" Thus he showed me ; and behold the Lord stood 
upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in 
his hand. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what 
seest thou? And I said, a plumb-line. Then said the 
Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of 
my people Israel : I will not again pass by them any 
more." Amos vii, 7, 8. 




The working tools of a Fellowcraft are here intro- 
duced and explained ; which are the plumb, square, and 
level. 




74 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

The plumb is an instrument made use of by operative 
masons, to raise perpendiculars ; the square, to square 
the work ; and the level, to lay horizontals ; but we, as 
Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of 
them for more noble and glorious purposes : The plumb 
admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations 
before God and man, squaring our actions by the square 
of virtue, and remembering that we are traveling upon 
the level of time, to "that undiscovered country, from 
whose bourn no traveler returns." 

SECTION SECOND. 

The second section of this degree refers to the origin 
of the institution ; and views Masonry under two deno- 
minations, operative and speculative. The period stipu- 
lated for rewarding merit, is here fixed ; and the inimitable 
moral to which that circumstance alludes, is explained. 
The celestial and terrestrial globes are considered ; and 
here the accomplished Mason may display his talents to 
advantage, in elucidating the Orders of Architecture, 
the Senses of human nature, and the liberal Arts and 
Sciences, which are severally classed in a regular ar- 
rangement. 

Masonry is considered under two denominations ; Ope- 
rative and Speculative. 

OPERATIVE MASONRY. 

By Operative Masonry, we allude to a proper applica- 
tion of the useful rules of architecture, whence a struc- 
ture will derive figure, strength, and beauty, and whence 
will result a due proportion and a just correspondence in 
all its parts. It furnishes us with dwellings, and conve- 
nient shelters from the vicissitudes and inclemencies of 
seasons : and while it displays the effects of human wis- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



75 



dom, as well in the choice, as in the arrangement, of the 
sundry materials of which an edifice is composed, it de- 
monstrates that a fund of science and industry is im- 
planted in man, for the best, most salutary, and beneficent 
purposes. 

SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 

By Speculative Masonry, we learn to subdue the pas- 
sions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, 
maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It is so far inter- 
woven with religion, as to lay us under obligation to pay 
that rational homage to the Deity, which at once consti- 
tutes our duty and our happiness. It leads the contempla- 
tive to view, with reverence and admiration, the glorious 
works of creation, and inspires him with the most exalted 
ideas of the perfections of his divine Creator. 

In six days, God created the heavens and the earth, 
and rested upon the seventh ; — the seventh, therefore, our 
ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest from their 
labors; thereby enjoying frequent opportunities to con- 
template the glorious works of creation, and to adore 
their great Creator. 

When we contemplate the creation of the world, from 
a mass of disorder, well may we exclaim, in the words 
of the Psalmist, " O Lord, how excellent is thy name in 
all the earth, who hast set thy glory above the Heavens! 
When we consider the heavens the work of thy fingers, 
the moon and stars which thou hast ordained, what is 
man, that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man 
that thou visitest him." 

Peace, Unity, and Plenty, are here introduced and 
explained. 



76 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 






IIIMllllllillllllIlM 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 77 

The next is the doctrine of the Spheres in the science 
of Astronomy, introduced and considered. 

OF THE GLOBES. 

The Globes are two artificial and spherical bodies ; on 
the convex surface of which are represented, the coun- 
tries, seas, and various parts of the earth, the face of the 
heavens, the planetary revolutions, and other particulars. 

Their principal use, beside serving as maps to dis- 
tinguish the outward parts of the earth, and the situation 
of the fixed stars, is to illustrate and explain the pheno- 
mena arising from the annual revolution, and the diurnal 
rotation, of the earth round its own axis. They are the 
noblest instruments for improving the mind, and giving 
it the most distinct idea of any problem or proposition, 
as well as enabling it to solve the same. Contemplating 
these bodies, we are inspired with a due reverence for 
the Deity and his works, and are induced to encourage 
the studies of astronomy, geography, navigation, and the 
arts dependent on them, by which society has been so 
much benefited. 

The Orders of Architecture come under consideration 
in this section; a brief description of them may therefore 
not be improper. 

OF ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE. 

By order in Architecture, is meant a system of all the 
members, proportions, and ornaments of columns and pi- 
lasters — or, it is a regular arrangement of the projecting 
parts of a building, which, united with those of a column, 
form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole. 

OF ITS ANTIQUITY. 

From the first formation of society, order in architec- 
ture may be traced. When the rigor of seasons obliged 



78 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

men to contrive shelter from the inclemency of the 
weather, we learn that they first planted trees on end, 
and then laid others across, to support a covering. The 
bands which connected those trees at the top and bottom, 
are said to have given rise to the idea of the base and 
capital of pillars; and from this simple hint originally 
proceeded the more improved art of architecture. 

The five orders are thus classed : — the Tuscan, Doric, 
Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. 

THE TUSCAN. 

The Tuscan is the most simple and solid of the five 
orders. It was invented in Tuscany, whence it derives 
its name. Its column is seven diameters high; and its 
capital, base and entablature have but few moldings. 
The simplicity of the construction of this column renders 
it eligible where ornament would be superfluous. 

THE DORIC. 

The Doric, which is plain and natural, is the most 
ancient, and was invented by the Greeks. Its column is 
eight diameters high, and has seldom any ornaments on 
base or capital, except moldings ; though the frieze is 
distinguished by triglyphs and metopes, and triglyphs 
compose the ornaments of the frieze. The solid com- 
position of this order gives it a preference, in structures 
where strength and noble simplicity are chiefly required. 

The Doric is the best proportioned of all the orders. 
The several parts, of which it is composed, are founded 
on the natural position of solid bodies. In its first in- 
vention it was more simple than in its present state. In 
after times, when it began to be adorned, it gained the 
name of Doric ; for when it was constructed in its primi- 
tive and simple form, the name of Tuscan was conferred 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 79 

on it. Hence the Tuscan precedes the Doric in rank, on 
account of its resemblance to that pillar in its original 
state. 

THE IONIC. 

The Ionic bears a kind of mean proportion between 
the more solid and delicate orders. Its column is nine 
diameters high; its capital is adorned with volutes, and 
its cornice has dentals. There is both delicacy and 
ingenuity displayed in this pillar; the invention of which 
is attributed to the Ionians, as the famous temple of 
Diana at Ephesus was of this order. It is said to have 
been formed after the model of an agreeable young wo- 
man of an elegant shape, dressed in her hair ; as a con- 
trast to the Doric order, which was formed after that of 
a strong, robust man. 

THE CORINTHIAN. 

The Corinthian, the richest of the five orders, is 
deemed a masterpiece of art. Its column is ten diameters 
high, and its capital is adorned with two rows of leaves, 
and eight volutes, which sustain the abacus. The frieze 
is ornamented with curious devices, the cornice with 
dentals and modillions. 

This order is used in stately and superb structures. It 
was invented at Corinth, by Callimachus, who is said to 
have taken the hint of the capital of this pillar from the 
following remarkable circumstance : — Accidentally pass- 
ing by the tomb of a young lady, he perceived a basket 
of toys, covered with a tile, placed over an acanthus root, 
having been left there by her nurse. As the branches 
grew up, they encompassed the basket, until, arriving at 
the tile, they met with an obstruction, and bent down- 
ward. Callimachus, struck with the object, set about 
imitating the figure : the base of the capital he made to 



80 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

represent the basket ; the abacus the tile ; and the volutes 
the bendinsr leaves. 



THE COMPOSITE 

The Composite is compounded of the other orders, and 
was contrived by the Romans. Its capital has the two 
rows of leaves of the Corinthian, and the volutes of the 
Ionic. Its column has the quarter-round, as the Tuscan 
and Doric order; is ten diameters high, and its cornice 
has dentals, or simple modillions. This pillar is gene- 
rally found in buildings where strength, elegance and 
beauty are displayed. 

OF THE INVENTION OF OEDER IN ARCHITECTURE. 

The ancient and original orders of architecture revered 
by Masons, are no more than three ; the Doric, Ionic, 
and Corinthian, which were invented by the Greeks. — 
To these the Romans have added two: the Tuscan, 
which they made plainer than the Doric ; and the Com- 
posite, which was more ornamental, if not more beauti- 
ful, than the Corinthian. The first three orders alone, 
however, show invention and particular character, and 
essentially differ from each other ; the two others have 
nothing but what is borrowed, and differ only accident- 
ally: the Tuscan is the Doric in its earliest state: and 
the Composite is the Corinthian enriched with the Ionic. 
To the Greeks, therefore, and not to the Romans, we 
are indebted for what is great, judicious, and distinct, in 
architecture. 



Of the Five Senses of Human Nature. 
An analysis of the human faculties is next given in 
this section, in which the five external senses particularly 
claim attention ; these are, hearing, seeing, feeling, smell- 
ing and tasting. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



81 



HEARING. 

Hearing is that sense by which we distinguish sounds, 
and are capable of enjoying all the agreeable charms of 
music. By it we are enabled to enjoy the pleasures of 
society, and reciprocally to communicate to each other 
our thoughts and intentions, our purposes and desires; 
while thus our reason is capable of exerting its utmost 
power and energy. 

The wise and beneficent Author of Nature intended, 
by the formation of this sense, that we should be social 
creatures, and receive the greatest and most important 
part of our knowledge by the information of others. For 
these purposes we are endowed with hearing, that by a 
proper exertion of our rational powers, our happiness 
may be complete. 



SEEING. 



Seeing is that sense by which we distinguish objects, 
and in an instant of time, without change of place or 
situation, view armies in battle array, figures of the most 
stately structures, and all the agreeable variety displayed 
in the landscape of nature. By this sense we find our 
way in the pathless ocean, traverse the globe of earth, 
determine its figure and dimensions, and delineate any 
region or quarter of it. By it we measure the planetary 
orbs, and make new discoveries in the sphere of the fixed 
stars. Nay, more : by it we perceive the tempers and 
dispositions, the passions and affections of our fellow- 
creatures, when they wish most to conceal them ; so that, 
though the tongue may be taught to lie and dissemble, 
the countenance would display the hypocrisy to the dis- 
cerning eye. In fine, the rays of light, which administer to 
this sense, are the most astonishing parts of the animated 
creation, and render the eye a peculiar object of admiration. 



82 THE MYSTIC CIECLE. 

Of all the faculties, sight is the noblest. The struc- 
ture of the eye, and its appurtenances, evinces the ad- 
mirable contrivance of nature for performing all its 
various external and internal motions; while the variety 
displayed in the ej^es of different animals, suited to their 
several ways of life, clearly demonstrates this organ to 
be the masterpiece of nature's work. 

FEELING. 

Feeling is that sense by which we distinguish the dif- 
ferent qualities of bodies ; such as heat and cold, hardness 
and softness, roughness, and smoothness, figure, solidity, 
motion, and extension. 

These three senses, Hearing^ Seeing and Reeling, are 
deemed peculiarly essential among masons. 

SMELLING. 

Smelling is that sense by which we distinguish odors, 
the various kinds of which convey different impressions 
to the mind. Animal and vegetable bodies, and indeed 
most other bodies, while exposed to the air, continually 
send forth effluvia of vast subtilty, as well in the state of 
life and growth, as in the state of fermentation and putre- 
faction. These effluvia, being drawn into the nostrils 
along with the air, are the means by which all bodies 
are smelled. Hence it is evident, that there is a mani- 
fest appearance of design in the great Creator's having 
planted the organ of smell in the inside of that canal, 
through which the air continually passes in respiration. 

TASTING. 

Tasting enables us to make a proper distinction in the 
choice of our food. The organ of this sense guards the 
entrance of the alimentary canal, as that of smelling 
guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. From 



SYMBOLIC CHART. §3 

the situation of both these organs, it is plain that they 
were intended by nature to distinguish wholesome food 
from that which is nauseous. Everything that enters 
into the stomach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting; 
and by it we are capable of discerning the changes which 
the same body undergoes in the different compositions of 
art, cookery, chemistry, pharmacy, etc. 

Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected; and 
it is by the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead in 
society, that these senses are rendered less fit to perform 
their natural offices. 



Of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. 
The seven liberal Arts and Sciences are next illus- 
trated in this section : it may not therefore be improper 
to insert here a short explanation of them. 

GRAMMAR. 

Grammar teaches the proper arrangement of words, ac- 
cording to the idiom or dialect of any particular people ; 
and that excellency of pronunciation, which enables us 
to speak or write a language with accuracy, agreeably to 
reason and correct usage. 

RHETORIC. 

Rhetoric teaches us to speak copiously and fluently on 
any subject, not merely with propriety, but with all the 
advantages of force and elegance ; wisely contriving to 
captivate the hearer by strength of argument and beauty 
of expression, whether it be to entreat or exhort, to 
admonish or applaud. 

LOGIC. 

Logic teaches us to guide our reason discretionally in 
the general knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries 



84 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

after truth. It consists of a regular train of argument, 
whence we infer, deduce, and conclude, according to 
certain premises laid down, admitted, or granted ; and in 
it are employed the faculties of conceiving, judging, rea- 
soning, and disposing; all of which a^e naturally led on 
from one gradation to another, until the point in question 
is finally determined. 

ARITHMETIC. 

Arithmetic teaches the powers and properties of num- 
bers, which is variously affected, by letters, tables, figures, 
and instruments. By this art, reasons and demonstra- 
tions are given, for finding out any certain number, whose 
relation or affinity to another is already known or dis- 
covered. 

GEOMETRY. 

Geometry treats of the powers and properties of mag- 
nitudes in general, where length, breadth, and thickness 
are considered, from a point to a line, from a line to a 
superficies, and from a superficies to a solid. 

A point is a dimensionless figure; or an indivisible 
part of a space. 

A line is a point continued, and a figure of one capa- 
city, namely, length. 

A superficies is a figure of two dimensions, namely, 
length and breadth. 

A solid is a figure of three dimensions, namely, length, 
breadth, and thickness. 

OF THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY. 

By this science, the architect is enabled to construct 
his plans, and execute his designs ; the general, to arrange 
his soldiers ; the engineer, to mark out ground for encamp- 
ments; the geographer, to give us the dimensions of the 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



85 



world, and all things therein contained, to delineate the 
extent of seas, and specify the divisions of empires, 
kingdoms and provinces ; by it, also, the astronomer is 
enabled to make his observations, and to fix the duration 
of times and seasons, years and cycles. In fine, geome- 
try is the foundation of architecture, and the root of the 
mathematics. 



MUSIC. 

Music teaches the art of forming concords, so as to 
compose delightful harmony, by a mathematical and pro- 
portional arrangement of acute, grave and mixed sounds. 
This art, by a series of experiments, is reduced to a 
demonstrative science, with respect to tones, and the 
intervals of sound. It inquires into the nature of con- 
cords and discords, and enables us to find out the pro- 
portion between them by numbers. 

ASTRONOMY. 

Astronomy is that divine art, by which we are taught 
to read the wisdom, strength and beauty of the Almighty 
Creator, in those sacred pages, the celestial hemisphere. 
Assisted by astronomy, we can observe the motions, 
measure the distances, comprehend the magnitudes, and 
calculate the periods and eclipses of the heavenly bodies. 
By it we learn the use of the globes, the system of the 
world, and the preliminary law of nature. While we 
are employed in the study of this science, we must per- 
ceive unparalleled instances of wisdom and goodness, 
and, through the whole creation, trace the glorious 
Author by his works. 

[Here an emblem of Plenty is introduced and ex- 
plained.] 



56 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 





SYMBOLIC CHART. 



87 



OF THE MORAL ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY. 

From this theme we proceed to illustrate the moral 
advantages of Geometry; a subject on which the follow- 
ing observations may not be unacceptable. 

Geometry, the first and noblest of the sciences, is the 
basis on which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. 
By geometry, we may curiously trace Nature through her 
various windings, to her most concealed recesses. By it, 
we may discover the power, the wisdom, and the goodness 
of the Grand Artificer of the universe, and view with 
delight the proportions which connect this vast machine. 

By it, we may discover how the planets move in their 
different orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions. 
By it we account for the return of seasons, and the va- 
riety of scenes which each season displays to the dis- 
cerning eye. Numberless worlds are around us, all 
framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through 
the vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same 
unerring law of nature. 

A survey of Nature, and the observations of her beau- 
tiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the 
divine plan, and study symmetry and order. This gave 
rise to societies, and birth to every useful art. The 
architect began to design; and the plans which he laid 
down, being improved by experience and time, have 
produced works which are the admiration of every age. 

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and 
the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed 
many valuable monuments of antiquity; on which the 
utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. 
Even the temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnifi- 
cent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, es- 
caped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. — 
Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. The 



i Wi 



88 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

attentive Ear receives the sound from the instructive 
Tongue : and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely 
lodged in the repository of faithful Breasts. Tools and 
implements of architecture, and symbolic emblems, most 
expressive, are selected by the Fraternity, to imprint on 
the mind wise and serious truths; and thus, through a 
succession of ages, are transmitted, unimpaired, the most 
excellent tenets of our Institution. 

Thus end the two sections of the second lecture; 
which, with the ceremony used at opening and closing 
the Lodge, comprehend the whole of the second degree 
of Masonry. This lecture contains a regular system of 
science, demonstrated on the clearest principles, and 
established on the firmest foundation. 




CHARGE AT PASSING TO THE DEGREE OF FELLOWCRAFT. 

Brothers: — Being passed to the second degree of 
Masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. The 
internal, and not the external qualifications of a man, are 
what Masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge, 
you will improve in social intercourse. 

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties, which, as 
a Mason, you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on 
the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own 
experience must have established their value. Our laws 
and regulations you are strenuously to support ; and be 
always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. 
You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offenses of 
your Brethren; but in the decision of every trespass 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 89 

against our rules, you are to judge with candor, admo- 
nish with friendship, and reprehend with justice. 

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of 
education, which tends so effectually to polish and adorn 
the mind, is earnestly recommended to your considera- 
tion ; especially the science of geometry, which is estab- 
lished as the basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry, 
originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and 
moral nature, is enriched with the most useful know- 
ledge: while it proves the wonderful properties of na- 
ture, it demonstrates the more important truths of 
morality. 

Your past behavior and regular deportment have merit- 
ed the honor which we have now conferred ; and in your 
new character, it is expected that you will conform to 
the principles of the order, by steadily persevering in the 
practice of every commendable virtue. Such is the na- 
ture of your engagement as a Fellowcraft, and to these 
duties you are bound by the most sacred ties. 



90 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



MASTER MASON'S DEGREE. 

In every art there is a mystery which requires a gra- 
dual progression of knowledge to arrive at any degree 
of perfection. Without much instruction and more 
exercise, no man can be skillful in any art; in like man- 
ner, without proper application to the various subjects 
treated of in the different lectures of Masonry, no person 
can be sufficiently acquainted with its true value, nor 
properly appreciate the advantages to be derived from it. 

Those who have made inquiry into the rise and pro- 
gress of science, have found, that in the early ages all 
speculative knowledge was confined to a few, and by 
them carefully concealed from vulgar curiosity, under 
the vail of mystery; into which none were initiated until, 
not only their intellectual capacities, but the firmness of 
their characters, had been put to a severe test; the result 
of which determined the degree of probability that they 
would resist the stratagems of curiosity and the demands 
of authority. 

This degree is much more important than either of 
the preceding degrees. The ceremonies attending this 
stage of our profession, are solemn and impressive, 
and duties and obligations of the highest order are as- 
signed us. From this class, the rulers of regular 
bodies of masons in the three first degrees of masonry 
are selected; as it is only from those who are capable 
of giving instruction, that we can properly expect to 
receive it. 

The degree of Master Mason imposes upon him the 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 91 

discharge of important moral duties, which are incul- 
cated in the different sections of this degree. 

The lecture of this degree, considered separately from 
the duties and ceremonies appertaining to the degree of 
presiding or Past-Master, is divided into three sections: 

SECTION FIRST. 

The first section in this, as in the two preceding de- 
grees, is initiatory; and a knowledge of it is indispensa- 
ble to every Brother who is desirous of holding office, 
or who would make himself useful in the business trans- 
actions of the Lodge. 

The ceremony of raising to the sublime degree of 
Master Mason, is particularly specified, and other useful 
instructions are given in this branch of the lecture. 

The following passage of Scripture is introduced during 
the ceremonies: 

" Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw 
nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 
while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be 
not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; in 
the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, 
and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grind- 
ers cease because they are few, and those that look out 
of the windows be darkened; and the doors shall be 
shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is 
low; and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and 
all the daughters of music shall be brought low. Also, 
when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and 
fears shall be in the way, and the almond-tree shall 
flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and de- 






92 



THE MYSTIC CIECLE. 



sire shall fail ; because man goeth to his long home, and 
the mourners go about the streets : or ever the silver cord 
be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be 
broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the 
spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Eccl. xii, 1 — 7. 






The working tools of a Master Mason are all the im- 
plements of masonry indiscriminately, but more espe- 
cially the troiveL 

The trowel is an instrument made use of by opera- 
tive masons, to spread the cement which unites a building 
into one common mass: but we, as Free and Accepted 
Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble 
and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of bro- 
therly love and affection; that cement which unites us 
into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, 
among whom no contention should ever exist, but that 



SYMBOLIC CHART 



93 



noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best 
work, or best agree. 

SECTION SECOND. 

This section recites the historical traditions of the 
Order, and presents to view a finished picture, of the ut- 
most consequence to the Fraternity. It exemplifies an 
instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity, unparalleled 
in the history of man. 



PRAYER AT RAISING A BROTHER TO THE SUBLIME 
GREE OF MASTER MASON. 



DE- 



Thou, O God ! knowest our down-sitting and our up- 
rising, and understandest our thoughts afar off. Shield 
and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, 
and support us under the trials and afflictions we are 
destined to endure, while traveling through this vale of 
tears. Man that is born of a woman, is of few days, and 
full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut 
down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his 
months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds 
that he cannot pass : turn from him that he may rest 
until he shall accomplish his day. For there is hope 
of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, 
and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But 
man dieth and wasteth away ; yea, man giveth up the 
ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the 
sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth 
down, and riseth not up until the heavens shall be no 
more. Yet, O Lord ! have compassion on the children 
of thy creation; administer them comfort in time of 
trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. — 
So mote it be. Amen. 



94 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 





SECTION THIRD. 

The third section illustrates certain hieroglyphical 
emblems, and inculcates many useful lessons, to extend 
Knowledge, and promote virtue. In this branch of the 
lecture, many particulars relative to King Solomon's 
Temple are noticed. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



95 




This magnificent structure was founded in the fourth 
year of the reign of Solomon, on the second day of the 
month Zif, being the second month of the sacred year. 
It was located on Mount Moriah, near the place where 
Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and where 
David met and appeased the destroying angel. 

Josephus informs us, that although more than seven 
years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole 
term it did not rain in the day-time, that the workmen 
might not be obstructed in their labor. From sacred 
history we also learn that there was not the sound of 
ax, or hammer, or any other tool of metal, heard in the 
house while it was building. 

It is said to have been supported by fourteen hundred 
and fifty three columns, and two thousand nine hundred 
and six pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. 
There were employed in its building, Three Grand 
Masters; three thousand and three hundred Masters, or 
Overseers of the work; eighty thousand Fellow Crafts; 
seventy thousand entered apprentices, or bearers of bur- 
dens. All these were classed and arranged in such man- 
ner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord, 
nor confusion, was suffered to interrupt the peace and 
harmony which prevailed among the workmen. 



96 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 




THE POT OF INCENSE, 

Is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an ac- 
ceptable sacrifice to the Deity; and, as this glows with 
fervent heat, so should our hearts continually glow with 
gratitude to the great beneficent Author of our existence, 
for the manifold blessings and comforts we enjoy. 




THE BEE -HIVE, 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



97 



Is an emblem of industry, and recommends the prac- 
tice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest 
seraph in heaven, to the lowest reptile of the dust. It 
teaches us, that as we came into the world rational 
and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious 
ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow- 
creatures around us are in want, when it is in our power 
to relieve them, without inconvenience to ourselves. 




THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS, GUARDED BY THE TYLEr's 
SWORD, 

Reminds us that we should be ever watchful and 
guarded in our words and actions, particularly when be- 
fore the enemies of Masonry ; ever bearing in remem- 
brance these truly Masonic virtues, silence and circum- 
spection. 




THE SWORD, POINTING TO A NAKED HEART, 

Demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake 
us ; and although our thoughts, words and actions, may- 
be hidden from the eyes of men, yet^that 
9 



98 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



Ill- 




ALL-SEEING EYE, 



Whom the Sun, Moon, and Stars obey, and under 
whose watchful care even Comets perform their stupen- 
dous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the 
human heart, and will reward us according to our 
merits. 




the anchor and ark. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 99 

Are emblems of a well-grounded hope, and a well- 
spent life. They are emblematical of that divine Ark 
which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of trou- 
bles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us in a 
peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, 
and the weary shall find rest. 




THE FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM OF EUCLID. 

This was an invention of our ancient friend and Bro- 
ther, the great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through 
Asia, Africa, and Europe, was initiated into several 
orders of priesthood, and raised to the sublime degree 
of a Master Mason. This wise philosopher enriched 
his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things, 
and more especially in geometry, or Masonry. On this 
subject, he drew out many problems and theorems ; and 
among the most distinguished, he erected this, which, in 
the joy of his heart, he called Eureka, in the Grecian 
language, signifying I have found it; and upon the dis- 
covery of which, he is said to have sacrificed a heca- 
tomb. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the 
arts and sciences. 
Lafft 



100 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 




THE HOUR-GLASS 

Is an emblem of human life. Behold ! how swiftly 
the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to 
a close ! We cannot without astonishment behold the 
little particles which are contained in this machine ; — 
how they pass away almost imperceptibly ! And yet, to 
our surprise, in the short space of an hour, they are all 
exhausted. Thus wastes man ! To-day, he puts forth 
the tender leaves of hope; to-morrow blossoms, and 
bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; the next day 
comes a frost, which nips the shoot ; and when he thinks 
his greatness is still aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, 
to enrich our mother earth. 




THE SCYTHE 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



101 



Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of 

life, and launches us into eternity Behold ! what havoc 

the scythe of time makes among the human race ! If by 
chance we should escape the numerous evils incident to 
childhood and youth, and with health and vigor arrive 
to the years of manhood; yet withal, we must soon be 
cut down by the all-devouring scythe of time, and be 
gathered into the land where our fathers have gone be- 
fore us. 








Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon 
the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, 
is dark and gloomy ; but the Master Mason is suddenly 
revived by the ever-green and ever-living sprig of Faith 
in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah ; which 
strengthens him, with confidence and composure, to look 
forward to a blessed immortality; and doubts not, but in 
the glorious morn of the resurrection; his body will rise, 
and become as incorruptible as his soul. 



102 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Then let us imitate our ancient patron in his virtuous 
and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God; in 
his inflexible fidelity to his trust ; that we may welcome 
the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind mes- 
senger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate 
us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious, and 
celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of 
the universe presides. 




THE THREE STEPS, 

Usually delineated upon the Master's carpet, are em- 
blematical of the three principal stages of human life, 
viz., youth, manhood, and age. In youth, as Entered 
Apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our minds 
in the attainment of useful knowledge : in manhood, as 
Fellowcrafts, we should apply our knowledge to the dis- 
charge of our respective duties to God, our neighbors, 
and ourselves; that so, in age, as Master Masons, we 
may enjoy the happy reflections consequent on a well- 
spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality. 

CHARGE AT RAISING TO THE SUBLIME DEGREE OP MAS- 
TER MASON. 

Brother, — Your zeal for the institution of Masonry; 
the progress you have made in the mystery; and your 
conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a 
proper object of our favor and esteem. You are now 
bound by duty, honor, and gratitude to be faithful to your 
trust ; to support the dignity of your character on every 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



103 



occasion ; and to enforce, by precept and example, obe- 
dience to the tenets of the Order. 

In the character of a Master Mason, you are author- 
ized to correct the errors and irregularities of your unin- 
formed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of 
fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the fraternity 
unsullied, must be your constant care; and for this pur- 
pose, it is your province to recommend to your inferiors, 
obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and 
affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. 
Universal benevolence you are always to inculcate; and, 
by the regularity of your own behavior, afford the best 
example for the conduct of others less informed. The 
ancient land-marks of the Order, intrusted to your care, 
you are carefully to preserve; and never suffer them to 
be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the estab- 
lished usages and customs of the Fraternity. 

Your virtue, honor, and reputation, are concerned in 
supporting with dignity the character you now bear. — 
Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your 
duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true 
and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated 
artist, whom you this evening represent. Thus you will 
render yourself deserving of the honor which we have 
conferred, and merit the confidence that we have reposed. 



104 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



MASONIC CEREMONIES. 

Ceremonies, when simply considered, it is true, are 
little more than visionary delusions; but their objects 
and effects are sometimes important; when they direct 
our attention to the great and beneficent Author of our 
existence ; when they impress awe and reverence on the 
mind and engage the attention by external attraction, to 
solemn rites, they are interesting objects. These pur- 
poses are effected by judicious ceremonies, when regu- 
larly conducted and properly arranged. On this ground, 
they have received the sanction of the wisest men in all 
ages, and consequently could not escape the notice of 
Masons. 

The ceremonies of Installation and Consecration, in 
Grand, as well as Subordinate Lodges, of Laying the 
Corner Stones of Public Edifices, of Forming and con- 
ducting Processions, of Constituting New Lodges, of 
Dedicating Masonic Halls, conducting Festival and 
Funeral services, are arranged under the head of the 



PAST MASTER'S DEGREE; 

Which should be carefully studied and well under- 
stood by every Master of a Lodge. The Ceremonies 
are particularly set forth in the following Sections : 

SECTION FIRST OF THE MANNER OF CONSECRATING A 

LODGE. 

Any number of Master Masons, not under seven, de- 
sirous of forming a new Lodge, must apply, by petition, 
to the Grand Lodge of the state in which they reside, as 
follows : 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



105 



FORM OF PETITION FOR A CHARTER OR WARRANT TO 
ESTABLISH A NEW LODGE. 

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State 
of : The petitioners hereof humbly show, that 

they are ancient, free, and accepted Master Masons. — 
Having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, they 
are willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and 
diffuse the genuine principles of Masonry. 

For the convenience of their respective dwellings, and 
for other good reasons, they are desirous of forming a 
new Lodge in the town of , to be named 

In consequence of this desire, and for the good of the 
craft, they pray for a Charter, or Warrant, to empower 
them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge the 
duties of Masonry, in the several degrees of Entered 
Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, in a regular 
and constitutional manner, according to the ancient form 
of the Fraternity, and the laws and regulations of the 
Grand Lodge. That they have nominated, and do re- 
commend A. B. to be the First Master, C. D. to be the 
First Senior Warden, and E. F. to be First Junior War- 
den of said Lodge : that, if the prayer of the petition 
should be granted, they promise a strict conformity to 
all the constitutional laws, rules and regulations of the 
Grand Lodge. 

This petition being signed by at least seven regular 
Masons, and recommended by a Lodge, or Lodges, 
nearest to the place where the new Lodge is to be holden, 
is delivered to the Grand Secretary, who lays it before 
the Grand Lodge, or Grand Master, in the recess of the 
Grand Lodge. 

If the petition meets with approbation, a dispensation 
is ordered to be issued, which is signed by the Grand or 



106 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Deputy Grand Master, and countersigned by the Grand 
Secretary, and authorizes the petitioners to assemble as 
a legal Lodge, for a specified time. 

Lodges working under dispensations, are considered 
merely as agents of the Grand Lodge. Their Presiding 
Officers are not entitled to the rank of Past Masters ; nor 
are their officers privileged with a vote or voice in the 
Grand Lodge. 

The officers cannot be changed without the special 
approbation and appointment of the Grand Lodge: and 
in case of the cessation of such Lodges, their funds, 
jewels, and other property, accumulated by initiations 
into the several degrees, becomes the property of the 
Grand Lodge, and must be delivered over to the Grand 
Secretary. 

When Lodges, which are at first instituted by dispen- 
sation, have passed a proper time of probation, they 
make application to the Grand Lodge for a charter of 
constitution. If this be obtained, the Grand Master ap- 
points a day and hour for constituting and consecrating 
the new Lodge, and for installing its Master Wardens, 
and other officers. 

If the Grand Master, in person, attends the ceremony, 
the Lodge is said to be constituted in ample form : if 
the Deputy Grand Master only, it is said to be constitu- 
ted in due form : but if the power of performing the 
ceremony is vested in a subordinate Lodge, it is said to 
be constituted in form. 

CEREMONY OF CONSTITUTION AND CONSECRATION. 

On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master 
and his officers meet in a convenient room near to the 
Lodge to be constituted, and open in the third degree — 
After the officers in the new Lodge are examined, they 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 107 

send a messenger to the Grand Master, with the follow- 
ing message, viz : 

Most Worshipful, — The officers and brethren of 
Lodge,who are now assembled at , have instructed 

me to inform you, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge 
was pleased to grant them a charter, authorizing them to 
form and open a Lodge of free and accepted Masons in 
the town of : They are now desirous that their 

Lodge should be consecrated, and their officers installed 
in due and ancient form; for which purpose the}*- are 
now met, and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful 
Grand Master. 

When notice is given, the Grand Lodge walk in pro- 
cession to the hall of the new Lodge. When the Grand 
Master enters, the grand honors are given by the new 
Lodge ; the officers of which resign their seats to the 
grand officers, and take their several stations on the left. 

The necessary cautions are given; and all, excepting 
Present or Past Masters of Lodges, are requested 
to retire until the Master of the new Lodge is inducted 
into the Oriental Chair of Solomon. He is then bound 
to the faithful performance of his trust, and invested with 
the characteristics of the chair. 

Upon due notice, the Grand Marshal re-conducts the 
Brethren into the hall ; and all take their places, except 
the members of the new Lodge, who form a procession 
on one side of the hall. As they advance, the Grand 
Master addresses them : 

" Brethren, behold your Master" 

They make the proper salutations as they pass. 



i 



1 08 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

A grand procession is then formed, in the following 
order, viz: 

Tyler with a drawn sword ; 

Two Stewards with white Rods; 

Entered Apprentices; 

Fellowcrafts ; 

Master Masons; 

Stewards ; 
Junior Deacons; 
j§ Senior Deacons; 

*§ Secretaries ; 

§ Treasurers ; 

Past Wardens; 

Junior Wardens; 

Senior Wardens; 

Past Masters ; 

Mark Masters; 

Royal Arch Masons ; 

Select Masters; 
Knights Templars; 
Masters of Lodges; 

THE NEW LODGE. 

Tyler with a drawn Sword ; 

Stewards with white Rods ; 

Entered Apprentices; 

Fellowcrafts; 

Master Masons; 

Junior and Senior Deacons; 

Secretary and Treasurer; 

Two Brethren, carrying the Flooring,* or Lodge; 

Junior and Senior Wardens; 

* Carpet. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 109 

The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest or some 

suitable member, not in office ; 

The W. Master; 

Music. 



THE GRAND LODGE. 

Grand Tyler with drawn Sword ; 
Grand Stewards with white Rods; 
A Brother carrying a Golden Vessel of Corn;* 
Two Brethren carrying the Silver Vessels, one of 
Wine, the other of Oil ; 
Grand Secretaries; 
Grand Treasurers ; 
A burning Taper, borne by a Past Master ; 
A Past Master bearing the Holy Writings , Square, and 
Compasses, supported by two Stewards 
with white Rods ; 
Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters ; 
The Tuscan and Composite orders; 
The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders ; 
^ Past Grand Wardens; 

,§ Past Deputy Grand Masters; 
% Past Grand Masters ; 

S The Globes; 

Clergy and Orator; 

R. W. Junior and Senior Grand Wardens; 

R. W. Deputy Grand Master; 

The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of 

Constitutions; 

The M. W. Grand Master; 

The Grand Deacons, on a line seven feet apart, on the 



* Wheat. 






HO THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

right and left of the Grand Master, with 

black rods; 

Grand Sword Bearer, with a drawn Sword; 

Two Stewards, with white rods. 

The Marshals conduct the procession to the church, 

or house, where the services are to be performed. When 

the front of the procession arrives at the door, they halt, 

open to the right and left, and face inward ; while the 

Grand Master and others, in succession, pass through and 

enter the house. 

A platform is erected in front of the pulpit, and pro- 
vided with seats for the accommodation of the Grand 
Officers. 

The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, and Book 
of Constitutions, are placed upon a table in front of the 
Grand Master : the flooring is then spread in the center, 
upon the platform, covered with white satin or linen, and 
encompassed by the three tapers, and the vessels of corn, 
wine, and oil, 

SERVICES. 

1. A piece of Music. 

2. Prayer. 

3. An Oration. 

4. A piece of Music. 

5. The Grand Marshal forms the officers and members 
of the new Lodge in front of the Grand Master. The 
Deputy Grand Master addresses the Grand Master as 
follows : 

Most Worshipful, — A number of Brethren, duly in- 
structed in the mysteries of Masonry, having assembled 
together at stated periods, by virtue of a dispensation 
granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be con- 
stituted into a regular Lodge, agreeably to the ancient 
usages and customs of the Fraternity. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. j„j| 

The dispensation and records are presented to the 
Grand Master, who examines the records, and, if found 
correct, proclaims: 

The records appear to be correct, and are approved. — 
Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted 
the Brethren of this new Lodge a charter, establishing 
and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a 
regularly constituted Lodge; which the Grand Secretary 
will now read. 

After the charter is read, the Grand Master then says : 
We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to 
constitute these Brethren into a regular Lodge. 

Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge de- 
liver up their jewels and badges to their Master, who 
presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter; and he to the Grand Master. 

The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master Elect 
to the Grand Master, saying: 

Most Worshipful, — I present you Brother , 

whom the members of the Lodge, now to be constituted, 
have chosen for their Master. 

The Grand Master asks them if they remain satisfied 
with their choice. [They bow in token of assent.] 

The Master elect then presents, severally, his Wardens 
and other Officers, naming them and their respective 
offices. The Grand Master asks the Brethren if they 
remain satisfied with each and all of them. [They 
bow as before.] 

The Officers and Members of the new Lodge form in 



112 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

front of the Grand Master ; and the business of Conse- 
cration commences with solemn music. 

CEREMONY OP CONSECRATION. 

6. The Grand Master, attended by the Grand Officers, 
and the Grand Chaplain, form themselves in order around 
the Lodge — all devoutly kneeling. 

7. A piece of solemn music is performed, while the 
Lodge is uncovered. 

After which, the first clause of the Consecration 
Prayer is rehearsed, which is as follows: 

" Great Architect of the Universe ! Maker and Ruler 
of all worlds! deign, from thy celestial temple, from 
realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes 
of our present assembly! We humbly invoke thee to 
give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our do- 
ings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the 
beauty of harmony in all our communications! Permit 
us, O thou Author of light and life, great Source of love 
and happiness, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to 
consecrate it to the honor of thy glory ! 

"Glory be to God on high." 

[Response by the Brethren.] 

" As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall 
be ; world without end. Amen." 

The Deputy Grand Master takes the Golden Vessel 
of Corn, and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens take 
the Silver Vessels of Wine and Oil, and sprinkle the ele- 
ments of consecration upon the Lodge. 

[The Grand Chaplain then continues :j 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



113 



" Grant, O Lord our God, that those who are now 
about to be invested with the government of this Lodge, 
may be- indued with wisdom to instruct their Brethren 
in all their duties. May brotherly love, relief, and 
truth, always prevail among the members of this Lodge ; 
and may this bond of union continue to strengthen the 
Lodges throughout the world ! 

"Bless all our Brethren, wherever dispersed; and grant 
speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed. 

" We affectionately commend to thee, all the members 
of thy whole family. May they increase in grace, in 
the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other. 

"Finally: may we finish all our work here below, 
with thy approbation ; and then have our transition from 
this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there 
to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal ! 

" Glory be to God on high." 

[Response by the Brethren.] 



be. 



As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall 
So mote it be. Amen.' 5 



8. A piece of solemn music is performed while the 
Lodge is covered. 

9. The Grand Chaplain then dedicates the Lodge in 
the following terms : 

"To the memory of the HOLY ST. JOHNS, we 
dedicate this Lodge. May every Brother revere their 
character, and imitate their virtues. 

"Glory be to God on high." 



[Response.] 
10 



114 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
world without end. So mote it be. Amen." 

10. Apiece of music is performed, while the Brethren 
of the new Lodge advance in procession to salute the 
Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their 
breasts, and bowing as they pass. They then take their 
places as they were. 

11. The Grand Master then rises, and constitutes the 
new Lodge in the following form : 

"In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, 
I now constitute and form you, my beloved Brethren, 
into a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. — 
From henceforth I empower you to meet as a regular 
Lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our 
Order, and the charges of our ancient and honorable 
Fraternity; — and may the Supreme Architect of the uni- 
verse prosper, direct, and counsel you, in all your doings. 

[Response.] 

"So mote it be. Amen." 

SECTION SECOND. CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION. 

The Grand Master, or Presiding Officer, addresses the 
Master elect in the words following, viz: 

Brother, — Previous to your investiture, it is necessary 
that you should signify your assent to those ancient 
charges and regulations, which point out the duty of a 
Master of a Lodge. 

I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly 
to obey the moral law. 

II. You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheer- 



SYMBOLIC CHART 115 

fully to conform to the laws of the country in which you 
reside. 

III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and 
conspiracies against government; but patiently to sub- 
mit to the decisions of the supreme legislature. 

IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil 
magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act 
honorably by all men. 

V. You agree to hold in veneration, the original rules 
and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular 
successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their 
stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of 
your Brethren, when convened, in every case consistent 
with the constitutions of the Order. 

VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, 
and to guard against intemperance and excess. 

VII. You agree to be cautious in carriage and beha- 
vior, courteous to your Brethren, and faithful to your 
Lodge. 

VIII. You promise to respect genuine Brethren, and to 
discountenance impostors, and all dissenters from the ori- 
ginal plan of Masonry. 

IX. You agree to promote the general good of socie- 
ty, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the 
knowledge of the art. 

X. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master 
for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed; 
and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand 
Lodge, or General Assembly of Masons, that is not sub- 
versive of the principles and groundwork of Masonry. 

XI. You admit, that it is not in the power of any 
men, or body of men, to make innovations in the body 
of Masonry. 

XII. You promise a regular attendance on the commit- 



116 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

tees and communications of the Grand Lodge, on receiv 
ing proper notice, and to pay attention to all_ the duties 
of Masonry, on convenient occasions. 

XIII. You admit, that no new Lodge shall be formed 
without permission of the Grand Lodge: and that no 
countenance be given to an irregular Lodge, or to any 
person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to 
the ancient charges of the Order. 

XIV. You admit, that no person can be regularly 
made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular 
Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his 
character. 

XV. You agree that no visitors shall be received into 
your Lodge, without due examination, and producing pro 
per vouchers of their having been initiated into a regular 
Lodge. 

These are the regulations of Free and Accepted 
Masons. 

• The Presiding Officer then addresses the Master as 
follows : 

Do you submit to these charges, and promise to sup- 
port these regulations, as Masters have done in all ages 
before you? 



The Master is to answer, I" do. 



The Presiding Officer then addresses him: 
Brother A. B., — In consequence of your cheerful 
conformity to the charges and regulations of the Order, 
you are now to be installed Master of this* Lodge, in 



* If this Lodge is installed for the first time, it is called " This new 
Lodge. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 



117 



full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to govern 
the same. 

[The new Master is then regularly invested with the 
insignia of his office, and the furniture and implements 
of his Lodge.] 



The various implements of the profession are emblem- 
atical of our conduct in life, and upon this occasion are 
carefully enumerated. 

The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will 
guide you to all truth: it will direct your paths to the 
temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole 
duty of man. 

The Square, teaches us to regulate our actions by rule 
and line, and harmonize our conduct by the principles 
of morality and virtue. 

The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every 
station; that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live 
respected, and die regretted. 

The Rule directs that we should punctually observe 
our duty ; press forward in the path of virtue, and, nei- 
ther inclining to the right or left, in all our actions have 
(eternity) in view. 

The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to 
avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to 
direct our steps to the path which leads to a glorious im- 
mortality. 

The Book of Constitutions, you are to search at all 
times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none 
may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins. 

You will also receive in charge the By-Laws of your 
Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually 
executed. 



118 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

CHARGE UPON THE INSTALLATION OF THE MASTER OF A 
LODGE. 

Worshipful Master: — Being appointed Master of 
this Lodge, you cannot be insensible of the obligations 
which devolve on you, as their head; nor of your re- 
sponsibility for the faithful discharge of the important 
duties annexed to your appointment. 

The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge, 
will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with 
which you manage its concerns ; while the happiness of 
its members will be generally promoted, in proportion to 
the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genu- 
ine principles of our Institution. 

For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary 
of nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses 
light and luster to all within its circle. In like manner, 
it is your province to spread and communicate light and 
instruction to the Brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly 
impress upon them the dignity and high importance of 
Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace 
it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge, those 
duties which are taught in it ; and by amiable, discreet, 
and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the good- 
ness of the Institution; so that, when any one is said to 
be a member of it, the world may know that he is one 
to whom the burthened heart may pour out its sorrows; 
to whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is 
guided by justice, and his heart expanded by benevo- 
lence. In short, by a diligent observance of the By- 
Laws of your Lodge, the Constitutions of Masonry, and, 
above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a 
rule and guide to your faith, you will be enabled to ac- 
quit yourself with honor and reputation, and lay up a 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 119 

crown of rejoicing, which shall continue when time 
shall be no more. 

The subordinate officers are then severally invested by 
the Presiding Officer, who delivers each of them a short 
charge, as follows, viz : 

THE SENIOR WARDEN 

Brother C. D., — You are appointed Senior Warden 
of this Lodge, and are now invested with the ensign of 
your office. 

The Level demonstrates that we are descended from 
the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share 
the same hope ; and though distinctions among men are 
necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of 
station should make us forget that we are Brethren: for 
he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel, 
may be entitled to our regard ; because a time will come, 
and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinction, 
but that of goodness, shall cease ; and death, the grand 
leveler of human greatness, reduce us to the same state. 

Your regular attendance on our stated meetings, is es- 
sentially necessary. In the absence of the Master, you 
are to govern this Lodge; in his presence you are to as- 
sist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your 
knowledge of Masonry, and attachment to the Lodge, 
for the faithful discharge of the duties of this important 
trust. — Look well to the West! 

THE JUNIOR WARDEN. 

Brother E. F., — You are appointed Junior Warden 
of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of 
your office. 

The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our 



120 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

several stations ; to hold the scales of justice in equal 
poise; to observe the just medium between intemperance 
and pleasure ; and to make our passions and prejudices 
coincide with the line of our duty. 

To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft, 
during the hours of refreshment : — it is therefore indispen- 
sably necessary, that you should not only be temperate 
and discreet, in the indulgence of your own inclinations, 
but carefully observe that none of the Craft be suffered 
to convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance 
and excess. 

Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly 
requested; and I have no doubt that you will faithfully 
execute the duty which you owe to your present appoint- 
ment. — Look well to the South! 

THE TREASURER. 

Brother G. H, — You are appointed Treasurer of this 
Lodge. It is your duty to receive all moneys from the 
hands of the Secretary, make due entries of the same, 
and pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master 
and the consent of the Lodge. 

I trust your regard for the Fraternity will prompt you 
to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office. 

THE SECRETARY. 

Brother J. K., — You are appointed Secretary of this 
Lodge. It is your duty to observe all the proceedings 
of the Lodge ; make a fair record of all things proper to 
be written ; to receive all moneys due the Lodge, and 
pay them over to the Treasurer, and take his receipt for 
the same. 

Your good inclination to Masonry and this Lodge, I 
hope, will induce you to discharge your office with fideli- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. !2J 

ty; and by so doing, you will merit the esteem and ap- 
plause of your Brethren. 

SENIOR AND JUNIOR DEACONS. 

Brothers L. M. and N. O., — You are appointed 
Deacons of this Lodge. To you, with such assistance 
as may he necessary, is intrusted the examination of 
visitors. It is also your province to attend on the Master 
and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active 
duties of the Lodge ; such as in the reception of candi- 
dates into the different degrees of Masonry, and in the 
immediate practice of our rites. The Square and Com- 
passes, as badges of your office, I trust to your care, not 
doubting your vigilance and attention. 

THE STEWARDS. 

Brothers P. Q. and R, S., — You are appointed 
Stewards of this Lodge. The duties of your office are, 
to assist in the collection of dues and subscriptions; to 
keep an account of the Lodge expenses ; to see that the 
tables are properly furnished at refreshment, and that 
every brother is suitably provided for; and generally to 
assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their 
duties. 

Your regular and early attendance will afford the best 
proof of your zeal and attachment to the lodge. 

THE TYLER. 

Brother, — You are appointed Tyler of this Lodge; 
and I invest you with the implement of your office. As 
the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler, to enable 
him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans 
and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass but 

such as are duly qualified ; so it should morally serve as 
11 



122 THE xMYSTIC CIRCLE. 

a constant admonition to us, to set a guard at the en- 
trance of our thoughts ; to place a watch at the door of 
our lips; to post a sentinel at the avenue of our ac- 
tions : thereby excluding every unqualified and unworthy 
thought, word, and deed; and preserving consciences 
void of offense toward God and toward man. 

Your early and punctual attendance will afford the 
best proof of your zeal for the Institution. 

CHARGE TO THE BRETHREN OF THE LODGE. 

Such is the nature of our constitution, that as some 
must of necessity rule and teach, so others must of 
course learn to submit and obey. Humility in both 
is an essential duty. The officers who are appointed 
to govern your Lodge, are sufficiently conversant with 
the rules of propriety, and the laws of the Institu- 
tion, to avoid exceeding the powers with which they 
are intrusted; and you are of too generous dispositions 
to envy their preferment. I therefore trust that you will 
have but one aim, to please each other, and unite in the 
grand design of being happy, and communicating hap- 
piness. 

Finally, my Brethren, as this association has been 
formed and perfected with so much unanimity and con- 
cord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long con- 
tinue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and de- 
light which disinterested friendship can afford. May 
kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct, 
as men, and as Masons. Within your peaceful walls, 
may your children's children celebrate with joy and 
gratitude, the transactions of this auspicious solemnity. 
And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted 
through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from genera- 
tion to generation, 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 123 

12. The Grand Marshal then proclaims the new 
Lodge in the following manner, viz : 

In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of 
the State of , I proclaim this new Lodge by the 

name of • Lodge, No. , to be legally constituted, 

consecrated, and the officers thereof duly installed. 

13. A piece of Music is then performed. 

14. Benediction. 

The procession is then formed, and returns in due form 
to the hall whence it set out. 

The W. Master having been previously inducted into 
the Oriental Chair of Solomon, all but Master Masons 
are caused to retire. 

A procession is then formed, and passes three times 
round the hall ; and upon passing the Master, pays him 
due homage by the usual honors, in the different degrees. 

During the passing round of the procession the fol- 
lowing song is sung: 

Hail, MASONRY divine ! 
Glory of ages shine; 

Long may'st thou reign; 
Where'er thy Lodges stand, 
May they have great command 
And always grace the land, 

Thou, Art divine. 

Great fabric, still arise, 
And grace the azure skies; 

Great are thy schemes: 
Matchless, beyond compare; 
No art with thee can share; 

Thou, Art divine. 






124 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Hiram, the architect, 
Did all the Craft direct 

How they should build: 
Sol'mon, great Israel's king 1 , 
Did mighty blessings bring, 
And left us room to sing, 

Hail, royal Art! 



The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal 
to form the procession; when the Grand Lodge walk to 
their own hall, and both Lodges are closed in due form. 

INSTALLATION OP GRAND MASTER. 

On the election of a Grand Master, he is proclaimed 
by the Grand Secretary, in the following words: 

I proclaim the R. W. Brother duly elected 

Grand Master of Masons, for the State of for the 

ensuing year. 

Which proclamation is made thrice. 

If the Grand Master elect is present, the Grand Lodge 
will proceed to the installation. If he is absent, a day 
may be appointed for the ceremony, or he may be instal- 
led by proxy, but such proxy must be either the last, or 
a former Grand Master, or else a reputable Past Master. 

The ceremony of Installation is conducted by the 
Grand Master in the chair, and the Lodge opened in the 
Past Master's degree. 

The Grand Chaplain then rehearses a suitable prayer. 

The Deputy Grand Master then presents the Grand 
Master elect, saying, 

Most Worshipful, I present you for installation, our 
E. W. Brother , who has been elected by the 

members of this Grand Lodge, Grand Master of Masons 
for the State of 

The Grand Master then addresses the Grand Master 
elect ; 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 125 

R. Wor. Sir and Brother: You have been elected by 
your brethren in Grand Lodge assembled, Grand Mas- 
ter of Masons in and throughout this state, and having 
signified your acceptance thereof, it devolves upon me, 
to install you into your high and honorable office, with 
the usual ceremonies. Previous to your being invested 
with the emblem of your power and office, it is necessary 
you should give your assent to those ancient charges and 
regulations which are pointed out in our general laws. 

The Grand Master then reads to the Grand Master 
elect, such parts of the ancient charges as are applicable 
to the office of Grand Master. The Grand Master elect 
having assented thereto, the Grand Master proceeds : 

I now present you with this jewel, the badge of your 
office, and the emblem of your power and authority. 
Many of the most illustrious and distinguished characters 
the world has produced, have worn it with satisfaction 
and delight. It will silently admonish you to do justice to 
the cause of Masonry, to consult as the exalted rank you 
now hold demands of you, its real interests. It will in- 
struct you to infuse into the many Lodges of which you 
are now the head, the true spirit of our order. It will 
direct you to give due commendation to the worthy 
members of the fraternity, and to reprove those who act 
contrary to its laws. 

To you are committed those sacred writings in which 
are to be found the sublime parts of our ancient mysteries. 
From this great light our institution derives its wisdom, 
strength and beauty, and demands from every good 
Mason, the most profound veneration, as the word of the 
supreme grand Architect of heaven and earth. It will 
confirm your faith, strengthen your hope, encourage your 
charity, and direct you to that magnificent temple, where 
all. is harmony, love and peace. 






126 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

These implements of operative Masonry, constructed, 
assist the architect in his various designs ; when specula- 
tively applied to the duties of your important office, will 
direct you to square your actions by the principles of 
candor, justice and moderation ; to keep and regulate the 
craft within the prescribed compass of brotherly love, 
relief and truth, and preserve that decorum on which 
the honor and usefulness of our institution so essentially 
depend. 

I present you the Constitution and By-laws of this 
Grand Lodge, which it is your duty to see punctually 
observed and obeyed. 

I also present you the Book of Constitutions, in which 
are contained the rules and regulations established for 
the government of the society, and the charges which 
exhibit its nature and utility. It contains the necessary 
doctrines and principles, which, if rightly observed, will 
maintain the reputation of the fraternity. With this 
Book you will direct your Lodges to make themselves 
acquainted. 

The Grand Master elect is then seated in the Oriental 
Chair. The members form a procession and salute him 
with the Grand Honors three times, while the Grand 
Marshal each time proclaims: 

In the name of the Holy St. John, I proclaim the 
M. W. Brother duly installed Grand Master of 

Masons in the State of for the ensuing twelve 

months. 

The Lodge is then closed to the degree of Master 
Mason, when all Master Masons are admitted, who, under 
the direction of the Grand Marshal, form a procession 
round the Hall, and salute the Grand Master by the 
usual congratulations and honors of the different degrees. 

The following charge is then given : 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 127 

Most Wor. Sir and Bro.: Permit me to congratulate 
you on the honor of being raised from the level of equal- 
ity to the high station of presiding over all the Lodges of 
this State and jurisdiction. We look up with confidence 
to a brother whose experience in the mysteries of the 
craft entitles him to our regard, and whose person is 
endeared to us by that love of the fraternity - , which is 
sanctioned by the experience of many years. May the 
Father of lights invest you with his choicest gifts; may 
heavenly wisdom illuminate your mind. May heavenly 
goodness fill and enlarge your breast. May your feet 
rest upon the rock of justice; from your hands may 
streams of beneficence continually issue, and round your 
head may there be bound a circle made splendid by the 
rays of honor, and late, very late in life, may you be 
translated from the fading honor of an earthly Lodge, to 
the mansions prepared for the faithful in a better world. 

Let me congratulate you, my brethren, on the election 
of our Grand Master. As it is his, agreeably to the rules 
of our institution to command, so it is ours to obey. 
Look to the Sun, and behold the planetary world re- 
volving around him in continual order, with the happiest 
effect, and learn to imitate their regularity, in the hope 
of obtaining from the chair of Solomon, the light of wis- 
dom, and the warmth of love. Or look higher still, and 
behold the Angels, those sister spirits, cherubim and 
seraphim, who are exhibited to us in the oracles of 
revelation, as flaming spirits, burning with heat in their 
Heavenly Grand Master's service, and with love to his 
person, and to each other; they are styled ministering 
spirits, from the part they take in ministering their kind 
offices to man ; in relieving their wants, securing them 
from danger, and making their lives more comfortable. 
Of them let us learn to raise our affections to the Great 



128 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Father of all, the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe, 
and thence, descending, expand the heart from brother to 
brother, and to all mankind. OF them let us learn never 
to be weary in well doing, but to "mourn with them 
that mourn, and rejoice with them that rejoice;" until 
having finished our work on earth, we shall be admitted 
to the temple of love "not made with hands, eternal in 
the heavens." 

The ceremony concludes with the following 

BENEDICTION. 

May the Supreme Architect of the universe shed his 
blessing abundantly upon this society; and enable his ser- 
vant, now raised to the office of Grand Master over our 
Lodges, to discharge the duties of his important trust, to 
the honor of his holy name and to the credit of this an- 
cient society. 

SECTION THIRD. 

This section contains the ceremony observed on lay- 
ing the Foundation Stones of Public Structures. 

This ceremony is conducted by the M. W. Grand 
Master and his Officers, assisted by such Officers and 
Members of subordinate Lodges, as can conveniently at- 
tend. The chief magistrate, and other civil officers of 
the place where the building is to be erected, also gene- 
rally attend on the occasion. 

At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened 
in some suitable place. A band of martial music is pro- 
vided, and the Brethren appear in the insignia of the 
Order. 

The Lodge is then opened by the Grand Master, and 
the rules for regulating the procession are read by the 
Grand Secretary. The Lodge is then adjourned; after 
which the procession sets out in due form, in the follow- 
ing order: 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 129 

PROCESSION AT LAYING FOUNDATION STONES. 
Two Tylers with drawn swords ; 
Tyler of the older Lodge with do.; 
Two Stewards of the older Lodge ; 
Entered Apprentices ; 
Fellowcrafts ; 
Master Masons ; 
Past Secretaries ; 
j$ Past Treasurers ; 

>3 Past Junior Wardens ; 

3 Past Senior "Wardens ; 

Mark Masters ; 
Past Masters ; 
Royal Arch Masons ; 

Select Masters ; 

Knights Templars ; 

Masters ; 

Music ; 

Grand Tyler with a drawn Sword ; 

Grand Stewards with white Rods ; 

A Past Master with a Golden Vessel containing Corn; 

Principal Architect, with Square, Level, and Plumb ; 

Two Past Masters with Silver Vessels, one containing Wine, and the 

other Oil ; 

Grand Secretary and Treasurer ; 

The Five Orders ; 

One large Light borne by a Past Master ; 

The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, borne by a Master of a 

Lodge, supported by two Stewards on the right and left ; 

Two large Lights, borne by two Past Masters ; 

Grand Chaplain : 

Clergy and Orator ; 

Grand Wardens ; 

Deputy Grand Master ; 

The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of Constitutions 

on a velvet cushion ; 

Grand Deacons with black Rods, on a line seven feet apart ; 

Grand Master ; 

Two Stewards with white Rods ; 

Grand Sword-Bearer with drawn Sword. 

A Triumphal Arch is usually erected at the place 
where the ceremony is to be performed. The procession 



X30 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

passes through the arch ; and the Brethren repairing to 
their stands, the Grand Master and his Officers take their 

places on a temporary platform, covered with carpet - 

The Grand Master commands silence. An Ode on Ma- 
sonry is sung; after which, the necessary preparations 
are made for laying the stone, on which is engraved the 
year of Masonry, the name of the Grand Master, etc. 

The stone is raised up, by means of an engine erected 
for that purpose, and the Grand Chaplain or Orator re- 
peats a short prayer. 

The Grand Treasurer then, by the Grand Master's 
command, places under the stone various sorts of coin 
and medals of the present age. Solemn music is intro- 
duced, and the stone is let down into its place. 

The principal Architect then presents the working 
tools to the Grand Master, who applies the plumb, 
square, and level, to the stone, in their proper positions, 
and pronounces it to be well-formed, true, and trusty. 

The Golden and Silver Vessels are next brought to the 
table, and delivered; the former to the Deputy Grand 
Master, and the latter to the Grand Wardens, who suc- 
cessively present them to the Grand Master; and he, ac- 
cording to the ancient ceremony, pours the corn, the 
wine, and the oil, which they contain, on the stone, 
saying : 

" May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the 
inhabitants of this place with all the necessaries, con- 
veniencies, and comforts of life ; assist in the erection 
and completion of this building; protect the workmen 
against every accident, and long preserve this structure 
from decay: and grant to us all, a supply of the corn 
of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil 
of joy! So mote it be. Amen." 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 131 

He then strikes the stone thrice with the mallet; and' 
the public grand honors of Masonry are given. The 
Grand Master then delivers over to the Architect the va- 
rious implements of architecture, intrusting him with the 
superintendence and direction of the work; after which, 
he re-ascends the platform, and an Oration suitable to the 
occasion is delivered. 

A voluntary collection is made for the needy work- 
men; and the sum collected is placed upon the stone by 
the Grand Treasurer. 

A suitable Song in honor of Masonry concludes the 
ceremony; after which, the procession returns to the 
place whence it set out, and the Lodge is closed in due 
form. 

SECTION FOURTH. 

The fourth section contains the ceremony observed at 
the dedication of the Freemasons' Halls. 

On the day appointed, the Grand Master and his Offi- 
cers, accompanied by the Members of the Grand Lodge, 
meet in a convenient room near the place where the cer- 
emony is to be performed, and open in due and ample 
form, in the third degree of Masonry. 

The Master of the Lodge to which the Hall to be 
dedicated belongs, being present, addresses the Grand 
Master, as follows: 

Most Worshipful, — The Brethren of Lodge, 

being animated with a desire of promoting the honor and 
interest of the Craft, have, at great pains and expense, 
erected a Masonic Hall, for their convenience and ac- 
commodation. They are desirous that the same should 
be examined by the M. W. Grand Lodge; and if it 
should meet their approbation, that it should be solemn- 
ly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient 
form. 



132 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal to 
form the procession, when they move forward to the 
Hali to be dedicated. On entering, the music will con- 
tinue while the procession marches three times round the 
hall. 

The Lodge, or flooring, is then placed in the center; 
and the Grand Master having taken the chair, under a 
canopy of state, the Grand Officers, and the Masters and 
Wardens of the Lodges, repair to the places previously 
prepared for their reception. The three Lights, and the 
Gold and Silver Pitchers, with the corn, wine, and oil, 
are placed round the Lodge, at the head of which stands 
the Altar, with the Holy Bible open, and the Square and 
Compasses laid thereon, with the Charter, Book of Con- 
stitutions, and By-Laws. 

An Anthem is sung, and an Exordium on Masonry 
given; after which, the Architect addresses the Grand 
Master, as follows: 

Most Worshipful, — Having been intrusted with the 
superintendence and management of the workmen em- 
ployed in the construction of this edifice; and having, 
according to the best of my ability, accomplished the 
task assigned me ; I now return my thanks for the honor 
of this appointment, and beg leave to surrender up the 
implements which were committed to my care, when the 
foundation of this fabric was laid; humbly hoping, that 
the exertions which have been made on this occasion, 
will be crowned with your approbation, and that of the 
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. 

To which the Grand Master makes the following- 
reply: 

Brother Architect, — The skill and fidelity display- 
ed in the execution of the trust reposed in you, at the 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 133 

commencement of this undertaking, have secured the en- 
tire approbation of the Grand Lodge ; and they sincerely 
pray, that this edifice may continue a lasting monument 
of the taste, spirit, and liberality of its founders. 

An Ode in honor of Masonry is sung, accompanied 
with instrumental music. 

The Deputy Grand Master then rises, and says: 
Most Worshipful, — The hall in which we are now 
assembled, and the plan upon which it has been con- 
structed, having met with your approbation, it is the de- 
sire of the Fraternity that it should now be dedicated, 
according to ancient form and usage. 

Whereupon the Grand Master requests all to retire, 
but such as are Master Masons. A procession is then 
formed in the following order, viz : 

Grand Sword-Bearer ; 

A Past Master, "with a light ; 

A Past Master, with Bible, Square, and Compasses, on a velvet cushion; 

Two Past Masters, each with a Light ; 

Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with Emblems ; 

Grand Junior Warden, with Pitcher of Corn ; 

Grand Senior Warden, with Pitcher of Wine ; 

Deputy Grand Master, with Pitcher of Oil ; 

Grand Master ; 

Two Stewards with Rods. 

All the other Brethren keep their places, and assist in 
performing an Ode, which continues during the proces- 
sion, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. The 
Lodge being uncovered, the first time passing round it, 
the Junior Grand Warden presents the Pitcher of Corn 
to the Grand Master, who pours it out upon the Lodge, 
at the same time pronouncing: 



134 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"In the name of the Great Jehovah, to whom be all 
honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this Hall to 
MASONRY." 

The grand honors are given. 

The second time passing round the Lodge, the Grand 
Senior Warden presents the Pitcher of Wine to the 
Grand Master, who sprinkles it upon the Lodge, at the 
same time saying : 

"In the name of the Holy Saint Johns, I do solemn- 
ly dedicate this Hall to VIRTUE. 5 ' 

The grand honors are twice given. 

The third time passing round the Lodge, the Deputy 
Grand Master presents the Grand Master with the 
Pitcher of Oil, who sprinkles it upon the Lodge, saying: 

"In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemn- 
ly dedicate this Hall to UNIVERSAL BENEVO- 
LENCE." 

The grand honors are thrice given. 

A solemn Invocation is made to the Throne of Grace, 
by the Grand Chaplain, and an Anthem sung: after 
which, the Lodge is covered, and the Grand master re- 
tires to his chair. 

An Oration is then delivered, and the ceremonies 
conclude with music. 

The Grand Lodge is then closed indue and ample form. 



FESTIVALS. 



In almost every age and country, mankind have ob- 
served stated anniversaries and festivals. The Greeks 
had their Olympic games, the Romans their saturnalia. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 135 

their sacred, votal, and funeral games ; and modern nations 
have set apart certain days for the celebration of impor- 
tant events. Before the knowledge of letters became 
general among men, this custom was necessary to pre- 
serve the recollection of eventful periods in the history 
of nations ; and although the knowledge of letters, by 
means of the art of printing, is now widely diffused, and 
has, in a great degree, rendered unnecessary such cele- 
brations, yet, when kept within reasonable limits, they 
are of service to refinement, knowledge and virtue. The 
concourse of individuals collected on such occasions, 
mingle their sympathies, and glow with one general sen- 
timent : even religion catches a new inspiration, when 
multitudes are pouring out their thanksgiving and praise 
to the Lord of Heaven and earth. 

In conformity with a custom which they consider 
laudable, Freemasons continue to commemorate the 
anniversaries of St. John the Baptist and St. John the 
Evangelist; the one the forerunner, the other, the be- 
loved disciple of the Prince of Peace. They were holy 
and inspired men, whose virtues were so exemplary, 
so honorable to themselves, so useful to mankind, and . 
so acceptable to God, that they should be held in grate- 
ful remembrance, and their lives exhibited as lamps to 
the path of erring man. 

On each anniversary, the members of the Lodge and 
such visitors as think proper to attend, assemble at the 
Lodge-rooms ; the Lodge is opened in the first degree of 
Masonry, and the prefatory business being attended to, a 
procession is formed in the following order. (See pro- 
cessions, &c.) 

The procession then moves to the Church, or house 
appointed for the public services, which they enter in 
inverted order, 



136 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

The services commence by singing the following 
psalm: (See page 192.) 

The Chaplain then invokes the throne of Grace in a 
suitable prayer. 

A Hymn is then sung. (See page 192.) 

An oration on Masonry, or a sermon suited to the occa- 
sion, is then delivered, after which the following or some 
other hymn is sung. (See page 193.) 

The service concludes by prayer, and the brethren re- 
turn to the Lodge-room in the same order. 



THE FUNERAL SERVICE. 

SECTION FIFTH. 

This section contains the ceremony observed at Fune- 
rals, according to ancient custom; together with the Ser- 
vice used on such occasions. 

No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the 
Order, unless he has been raised to the sublime degree 
of Master Mason; as no Fellowcraft or Entered Ap- 
prentices are entitled to funeral obsequies, nor to attend 
the Masonic procession, on such occasions. 

All the Brethren, who walk in procession, should ob- 
serve, as much as possible, a uniformity in their dress. 
Decent mourning around the left arm, with white stock- 
ings, gloves, and aprons, are most suitable. 

The Brethren being assembled at the Lodge room (or 
some other convenient place), the Presiding Officer opens 
the Lodge in the third degree, with the usual forms; and 
having stated the purpose of the meeting, the service 
begins: 

Master: "What man is he that liveth, and shall not 
see death ? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of 
the grave?" 



SYMBOLIC CHART. ]37 

Eesponse : " Man walketh in a vain shadow ; he heap- 
eth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them." 

Master: "When he dieth he shall carry nothing 
away; his glory shall not descend after him." 

Response : " Naked he came into the world, and naked 
he must return." 

Master : " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
away; blessed be the name of the Lord!" 

The Master then taking the roll in his hand, says : 
" Let us live and die like the righteous, that our last 

end may be like his !" 

The Brethren answer : " God is our God forever and 

ever; he will be our guide even unto death!" 

The Master then records the name and age of the de- 
ceased upon the roll, and puts it into the chest : upon 
which, he says: 

"Almighty Father! in thy hands we leave with hum- 
ble submission the soul of our deceased Brother." 

The Brethren answer three times (giving the grand 
honors each time) : 

"The will of God is accomplished! So mote it be. 

Amen." 

An Anthem being sung, the Master retires to the pe- 
destal, and the coffin* is shut up. An Oration suitable 
to the occasion is then delivered, and the Master recom- 
mending love and unity, the Brethren join hands, and 
renew to each other their pledged vows. 

* The coffin is supposed to be in the room. 



138 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"Most glorious God! author of all good, and giver of 
all mercy! pour down thy blessings upon us, and 
strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sin- 
cere affection! May the present instance of mortality 
remind us of our approaching fate, and draw our atten- 
tion toward thee, the only refuge in time of need ! that, 
when the awful moment shall anive, that we are about 
to quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of 
thy mercy, through the Redeemer, may dispel the gloom 
of death ; and after our departure hence in peace, and in 
thy favor, may we be received into thine everlasting 
kingdom, to enjoy, in union with the souls of our de- 
parted friends, the just reward of a pious and virtuous 
life. Amen." 

The Lodge is then adjourned,* and the procession 
moves in the form prescribed to the church, thence to 
the place of interment: 



ORDER OF PROCESSION AT A FUNERAL. 

Tyler with drawn Sword; 
Stewards with white Rods; 
Musicians (if they are Masons), otherwise they follow 
the Tyler; 
Master Masons; 
Senior and Junior Deacons: 
J§ Secretary and Treasurer; 

U Senior and Junior Wardens; 

S Mark Masters; 

Past Masters; 
Royal Arch Masons; 

* Sketches of the Ancient History of Masonry. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 139 

Select Masters; 

Knights Templars; 

The Holy Writings, on a cushion, covered with black 

cloth, carried by the oldest (or some suitable) 

Member of the Lodge ; 

The Master; 

Clergy ; 



The Body, with the i|§§| insignia placed thereon. 




Pall Bearers. Pall Bearers. 



When the procession arrives at the church-yard, the 
members of the Lodge form a circle round the grave; 
and the clergymen and officers of the Lodge take their 
station at the head of the grave, and the mourners at the 
foot. The service is resumed, and the following Exhor- 
tation is given: 

"Here we view a striking instance of the uncertainty 
of life, and the vanity of all human pursuits. The last 
offices paid to the dead, are only useful as lectures to the 
living: — from them we are to derive instruction, and to 
consider every solemnity of this kind as a summons to 
prepare for our approaching dissolution. 

"Notwithstanding the various mementos of mortality, 
with which we daily meet ; notwithstanding Death has 
established his empire over all the works of nature ; yet, 
through some unaccountable infatuation, we forget that 
we are born to die ; we go on from one design to an- 
other, add hope to hope, and lay out plans for the em- 



140 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ployment of many years, until we are suddenly alarmed 
with the approach of death, when we least expect him, 
and at an hour which we probably conclude to be the 
meridian of our existence. 

"What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of 
wealth, or charms of beauty, when Nature has paid her 
just debt? — Fix your eyes on the last scene, and view 
life stript of her ornaments, and exposed in her natural 
deformity; you will then be convinced of the futility of 
those empty delusions. In the grave, all fallacies are 
detected, all ranks are leveled, and all distinctions are 
done away. 

"While we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave 
of our deceased friend, let charity incline us to throw a 
vail over his foibles, whatever they may have been, and 
not withhold from his memory the praise that his virtues 
may have claimed. Suffer the apologies of human na- 
ture to plead in his behalf. Perfection on earth has never 
been attained; — the wisest, as well as the best of men, 
have erred. 

"Let the present example excite our most serious 
thoughts, and strengthen our resolutions of amendment. 
As life is uncertain, and all earthly pursuits are vain, 
let us no longer postpone the all-important concern of 
preparing for eternity ; but embrace the happy moment, 
while time and opportunity offer, to provide against the 
great change, when ail the pleasures of this world shall 
cease to delight, and the reflections of a virtuous and 
holy life yield the only comfort and consolation. Thus 
our expectations will not be frustrated, nor we hurried, 
unprepared, into the presence of an all-wise and powerful 
Judge, to whom the secrets of all hearts are known. 

"Let us, while in this state of existence, support with 
propriety the character of our profession, advert to the 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 141 

nature of our solemn ties, and pursue with assiduity the 
sacred tenets of our Order. Then, with becoming reve- 
rence, let us seek the favor of the Eternal God, through 
the merits of his Son our Saviour, so that when the aw- 
ful moment of Death arrives, be it soon or late, we may 
be enabled to prosecute our journey without dread or ap- 
prehension, to that far distant country, whence no tra- 
veler returns." 

The following invocations are then made by the 
Master : 

Master: "May we be true and faithful; and may we 
live and die in love !" 

Answer: "So mote it be." 

Master: " May we profess what is good, and always 
act agreeably to our profession." 

Answer: "So mote it be." 

Master: " May the Lord bless us and prosper us, and 
may all our good intentions be crowned with success!" 

Answer: "So mote it be." 

Master: "Glory be to God in the highest; on earth 
peace ! good will toward men !" 

Answer: "So mote it be, now, from henceforth, and 
forevermore. Amen !" 

The apron is taken off from the coffin and handed to 
the Master — the coffin is deposited in the grave — and the 
Master says: 

This Lamb Skin, or white leather Apron, is an em- 
blem of Innocence, and the badge of a Mason, more an- 
cient than the golden fleece or Roman Eagle ; more hon- 
orable than the star and garter, when worthily worn. — 
[The Master then deposits it in the grave.] This 
emblem I now deposit in the grave of our deceased Bro- 



142 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ther. By this we are reminded of the universal dominion 
of Death. The arm of Friendship cannot oppose the 
King of Terrors, nor the charms of innocence elude his 
grasp. This grave, that coffin, this circle of mourning 
friends, remind us that we too are mortal: soon shall our 
bodies molder into dust. Then how important for us 
that we should know that our Redeemer liveth, and that 
he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. [The 
Master, holding the evergreen in his hand, continues :] 
This evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immor- 
tality of the soul. By this we are reminded that we 
have an immortal part within us, which shall survive the 
grave, and which shall never, never, never die. Though 
like our Brother, whose remains now lie before us, we 
soon shall be clothed in the habiliments of Death and 
deposited in the silent tomb, yet, through the mediation 
of a divine and ascended Saviour, we may confidently 
hope that our souls will bloom in eternal spring. 

The Brethren move in procession thrice around the 
grave : on passing the head of the grave the third time, 
the Master deposits the sprig of evergreen, and the 
Brethren successively drop theirs as they pass the head 
of the grave. The Secretaries are to advance and throw 
their rolls into the grave,* with the usual forms. After 
which the public grand honors are given; repeating 
each time: 

"The will of God is accomplished. So mote it be." 

The Master then continues the ceremony at the grave, 
in the following words : 

"From time immemorial, it has been the custom 

* Sketches of the Ancient History of Masonry. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 143 

among the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, at 
the request of a Brother, to accompany his corpse to the 
place of interment, and there to deposit his remains with 
the usual formalities. 

"In conformity to this usage, and a duty we owe to 
our deceased Brother, whose memory we revere, and 
whose loss we now deplore, we have assembled in the 
character of Masons, and to offer up to his memory, be- 
fore the world, the last tribute of our affection; thereby 
demonstrating the sincerity of our past esteem, and our 
steady attachment to the principles of the Order. 

"The great Creator having been pleased, out of his 
mercy, to remove our Brother from the cares and troubles 
of a transitory existence, to a state of eternal duration, 
and thereby to weaken the chain, by which we are united 
man to man; may we, who survive him, anticipate our 
approaching fate, and be more strongly cemented in the 
ties of union and friendship; that, during the short space 
allotted to our present existence, we may wisely and use- 
fully employ our time ; and, in the reciprocal inter- 
course of kind and friendly acts, mutually promote the 
welfare and happiness of each other. 

" Unto the grave we have resigned the body of our de- 
ceased friend, earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, 
there to remain until the trump shall sound on the resur- 
rection morn. We can cheerfully leave him in the hands 
of a Being who has done all things well ; who is glori- 
ous in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. Then 
let us all so improve this solemn warning, that on the 
great aay of account we may receive from the compas- 
sionate Judge, the welcome invitation, 'Come, ye blessed 
of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from 
the foundation of the world.' So mote it be. Amen." 

"Almighty and eternal God, in whom we live, and 



144 T H2 MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

move, and have our being — and before whom all men 
must appear in the judgment day to give an account of 
their deeds in life ; we, who are daily exposed to the fly- 
ing shafts of death, and now surround the grave of our 
fallen Brother, most earnestly beseech thee to impress 
deeply on our minds the solemnities of this day, as well 
as the lamentable occurrence that has occasioned them. 
Here may we be forcibly reminded, that in the midst of 
life we are in death, and that whatever elevation of cha- 
racter we may have attained; however upright and 
square the course we have pursued ; yet shortly must we 
all submit as victims of its destroying power, and en- 
dure the humbling level of the tomb, until the last loud 
trump shall sound the summons of our resurrection from 
mortality and corruption. 

"May we have thy divine assistance, O merciful God, 
to redeem our mis-spent time ; and in the discharge of 
the important duties thou hast assigned us in the erection 
of our moral edifice, may we have wisdom from on high 
to direct us, strength commensurate with our task to 
support us, and the beauty of holiness to adorn and ren- 
der all our performances acceptable in thy sight : and 
when our work is done, and our bodies mingle with the 
mother earth, may our souls, disengaged from their cum- 
brous dust, flourish and bloom in eternal day; and enjoy 
that rest which thou hast prepared for all good and faith- 
ful servants, in that spiritual house, not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens, through the great Redeemer.- — 
Amen." 

"So mote it be. Amen." 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 145 



FORM OF SERVICE, 
Drawn up by Rev. Albert Case, of South Carolina, and adopt- 
ed by the National Masonic Convention, at Baltimore, May, 
1843. 

The Brethren having assembled, the Presiding Officer 
opens the Lodge in the third degree in Masonry. 

After the object of the meeting has been stated, the 
Chaplain, or Master, will begin the service as follows: 

SERVICE IN THE LODGE ROOM. 

1. If a man die, shall he live again? 

Response : The dust shall return to the earth as it was, 
and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. 

2. When he dieth, shall he carry anything away with 
him? 

Response : He brought nothing into this world, and it 
is certain he can carry nothing out. 

3. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. 

Response: God is our God forever. He will be our 
guide and support through the dark valley of the shadow 
of death. 

Our Brother has been called from labor in the terres- 
trial Lodge, and gone, we trust, to partake of the divine 
refreshments on high. 

Let us meditate on the virtues of his character — the 
benevolent spirit he manifested — the offerings he made 
upon the altar of charity, whereby the needy were sup- 
ported — the distressed comforted — the widow's woes as- 
suaged, and the lone orphan's tears dried up. 

Let us see in the holy precepts of religion and in the 
teachings of our institution, those principles which in- 
13 



146 THE MYSTIC CIKCLE. 

fluenced him to adore his Maker, and to love his fellow- 
man, and which taught him how to live, and how to die. 

And since he has gone, in obedience to Heaven's man- 
date, may the recollection of his honor and virtue be 
cherished in our hearts, and have a salutary influence on 
our lives. 

And now, beloved Brother, farewell ; farewell, until we 
meet thee with a lasting embrace in that Grand Lodge, 
where the Grand Master Supreme, forever presides, for- 



The honors are then given, and the following prayer 
pronounced : 

Almighty God — infinite in wisdom, mercy, and good- 
ness, extend to us the riches of thy everlasting favor, 
make us grateful for present benefits, and crown us with 
immortal life and honor. And to thy name shall be 
glory forever. — Amen ! 

The procession is then formed and proceeds [in the 
manner before described] to the place of interment. — 
While assembling around the grave, sacred music may 
be performed. 

The Officers take their position at the head of the 
grave, and the following service is performed by the 
Chaplain or Master 

FUNERAL SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 

My Brethren, — We are now assembled around the 
final resting-place of these mortal remains, and are about 
closing the last solemn duties of respect we owe to our 
departed friend and Brother. A few reflections, there- 
fore, applicable to the solemnities of this occasion, and 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 147 

salutary and impressive to the living, may be, with great 
propriety, offered on this sacred spot — a spot where de- 
parted friendship yet lingers, and steals in melancholy, 
yet pleasing reminiscence on the heart. 

We are born to die. We follow our friends to the 
brink of the grave, and standing on the shore of a vast 
ocean, we gaze with exquisite anxiety until the last 
dreadful struggle is over, and see them sink in the fathom- 
less abyss. We feel our own feet slide from the preca- 
rious bank on which we stand, and but a few suns more, 
and we shall be whelmed mid death's awful waves. 

The younger are crowding the next older off the stage 
of action, as though each were anxious to exhibit his 
part in the strange and ever-changeful drama of human 
life. Not a solitary individual re-enters the world's the- 
ater. All take their exit, and are known beneath the 
sun no more forever. 

We are now in the solemn grave-yard, and here learn 
the only language of the tomb — the epitaph declaring 
they once lived. 

Lettered stones and monuments are more instructive 
than the once-living thousands, whose memories they 
preserve from oblivion. 

All, except these, is speechless as the chambers of 
eternal silence. No lingering spirits hover around their 
moldering relics, whispering any intelligence of their 
present existence. 

The eternal country, for which they embarked, returns 
us no intelligence of their safe arrival. Speechless is 
the gentle breeze that fans their verdant covering. 

The statesman, hero, philosopher, theologian, whose 
eloquence or arms have shaken empires — who have 
united the language of earth and heaven, or plucked 
proud laurels from fields of war, are resting in silence.— 



148 THE MYSTIC CIKOLE. 

Their hearts, that once beat high with hopes of life and 
glory, are unaffected with the interests of earth, and sus- 
ceptible of naught but the feelings that appertain to an- 
other world. 

Not only these are gone, but even the youth, whose 
cheeks are mantled with sunny smiles, and whose eye 
sparkles in all the brilliancy of health, must soon become 
an inanimate lump of clay. Those lips, that now echo 
the sentiments of inexperience, must be silent, and the 
heart that now palpitates and rejoices at the sound of 
pleasure, must be stilled in the cold and cheerless man- 
sions of the dead. Another generation will rise to occu- 
py our places and stations in life. 

The sun will rise and set, the earth revolve, — strangers 
will tread upon our sepulchers, without knowing that 
we ever existed. A few surviving relatives may re- 
member us and mourn, but these few will soon follow to 
the land of silence. No one here will concern himself 
with our past joys or sorrows, while we shall be conver- 
sant with the amazing realities of another world. 

Under these feelings and impressions we are now 
about to commit the body of our departed friend to the 
silent grave. And under a full and solemn conviction of 
the nothingness of all earthly and perishable objects, we 
here renewedly, as Masons, pledge to each other our fra- 
ternal love ; and may we so improve this dispensation of 
Divine Providence, and so live, that when these feeble 
frames shall slumber beneath the cold clods of the val- 
ley, the needy and distressed, the widow and the orphan, 
may point with regret to our sleeping ashes, and each 
exclaim — there lie the men whose compassion soothed 
my woes ; whose maxims tranquilized my perturbed spi- 
rits, and whose bounty relieved my pressing necessity. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 149 

INVOCATIONS. 

1 . May we be true and faithful — live and die in love ; 
for the memory of the just is blessed. 

Response: So mote it be. 

2. The Lord bless us, and keep us — the Lord make 
his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us — the 
Lord lift upon us the light of his countenance and give 
us peace. 

Response: So mote it be. 

All : Glory be to God in the highest, on earth, peace, 
good-will toward men. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we adore thee as 
the God of time and of eternity. Of both worlds, thou 
art the incomprehensible and amazing Lord ; ruling the 
destinies of all ; from the highest angel in heaven through 
every grade of creatures even down to the sparrow's fall 
— from the grandeur of rolling worlds down to the num- 
bering of the hairs of our heads. 

Under a government so vast and minute, we every- 
where see thy ever-working hand. We see it in giving 
us being, and in calling us hence to be here no more. 

As it has pleased thee to take from the light of our 
abode, one dear to our hearts, we beseech thee to bless 
and sanctify to us this dispensation of thy Providence. 
Inspire our hearts with wisdom from on high, that we 
may glorify thee in all our ways. May we realize that 
thine All-seeing Eye is upon us, and be influenced by 
the spirit of truth and love to obedience, — that we may 
enjoy the divine approbation here below. And when 
our toils on earth shall have ceased, may we be raised to 
the enjoyment of fadeless light and immortal life in that 



150 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

kingdom, where faith and hope shall end — and love and 
joy prevail through eternal ages. 

And thine, O righteous Father, shall be the glory for- 
ever. Amen. 

Brethren, — We have taken a solemn and impressive 
survey of human life, in all its blended lights and shades, 
and learned that all on earth is change. We have seen 
that as the lightning writes its h'ery path on the dark 
cloud and expires, so the race of men, walking amidst 
the surrounding shades of mortality, glitter a moment 
through the darksome gloom, then vanishes from our 
sight forever. 

They rest in the stilly shades. There the worm shall 
cover us, and darkness and silence reign around our mel- 
ancholy abode. 

But, is this the end of man, and the expiring hope of 
faithful Masons? No; blessed be God! We pause not 
at our first or second step, but, true to our principles, we 
look forward for greater light ! As the embers of mor- 
tal life are feebly glimmering in the socket of existence, 
our religion removes the dark shroud, draws aside the 
sable curtains of the tomb, and bids hope and joy to 
rouse up, sustain, and cheer the departing spirit. She 
points beyond the silent tomb, to the breaking light of a 
resurrection morn, and bids us turn an eye of faith and 
confidence on the opening scenes of eternity. 

She teaches us to advance boldly onward, and ask 
more light, until at the Grand Master's word, we shall 
be raised to that blissful Lodge which no time can re- 
move. There light, unmingled with darkness, shall 
reign unbroken and perpetual. There, under the sun- 
beam smiles of immutable Love, and beneath the benisr- 
nant bend of the All-seeing Eye, we, as faithful Ma- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 152 

sons cherish the fond and immortal hope, that we shall 
meet again ; meet, to part no more. 

Unto the grave we now resign the body of our de- 
parted Brother. 

Pass round the grave and drop the evergreen, during 
which time the following dirge may be sung: 

What sounds of grief, in sadness, tell 

A Brother's earthly doom — 
No more in life's fair scenes to dwell — 

A tenant of the tomb! 

No more the friendly hand now pressed, 

No gently whispered word, 
He finds a long unbroken rest 

Where rules his heavenly Lord. 

All earthly joys and sorrows o'er, 

Each changing hope or fear, 
He sees the light of that fair shore 

Without a sigh or tear. 

Then bring to Him, whose holy care 

That better temple forms, 
Our wish that all may gather there, 

Beyond life's coming storms. 

Friend of our hearts, there rest in peace. Eaised by 
the Grand Master's word, mayest thou share the bless- 
ing of immortal life and unfading glory. 

The procession then returns to the Lodge in inverse 
order. When the necessary duties are performed, and 
the Lodge is closed. 



If a Past or Present Grand Master, Deputy Grand 
Master, or Grand Warden, shall join in the procession 
of a private Lodge, they are to be treated with that at- 



152 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

tention which is due to their respective stations. They 
take place immediately after the Master of the Lodge. 
Two Deacons, with rods, one on the right and one on 
the left, attend a Grand Master: and when a Grand 
Master or Deputy Grand Master is present, the Book of 
Constitutions is borne before him, and a Sword-bearer 
follows him, and the Deacons are placed on the right and 
left at an angular distance of five feet. 

Marshals are to walk or ride on the left of the pro- 
cession. 

On entering the public buildings, the Bible, square 
and compasses, Book of Constitutions, etc., are placed 
before the Grand Master. The Grand Marshal and 
Grand Deacons keep near him. 

All Officers in procession, should wear the badges of 
their office. 

When two or more Lodges walk in procession they 
form in one body, or in separate Lodges. If separately, 
the youngest Lodge takes precedence. 

In former times, in all public processions, the Tyler* 
carried the Book of Constitutions guarded by his sword. 



ADDRESSES AND PRAYERS FOR OCCASIONAL USE 

ADDRESS TO A GRAND MASTER AT HIS INSTALLATION. 

I am desired, Most Worshipful, to install you into 
your high office, as Grand Master of Masons. 

Give me leave to invest you with this badge of your 
office. This will silently admonish you always to do 
justice to the cause of Masonry : to consult, as the ex- 
alted rank you now hold demands of you, its real inter- 



* Sketches of the Ancient History of Mason r 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 153 

ests. It will instruct you to infuse into the many Lodges, 
of which you are now the head, the true spirit of our 
Order. It will direct you to make wise regulations for 
the good government of the Fraternity ; to give due com- 
mendation to the worthy members of it ; and to rebuke 
those who act contrary to its laws. 

I next deliver to you the emblem of that power with 
which you are now invested. Always make use of it 
for the good of our benevolent Institution. 

To you are committed, also, those Sacred Writings 
in which are to be found the sublime parts of our an- 
cient mystery. In them are, likewise, most strongly in- 
culcated the social and moral duties, without which no 
man can be a Mason. You will direct your Lodges to 
read, study, and obey them. 

Receive these tools of Operative Masonry, which 
are to each of us the most expressive symbols. These 
will assist you, Most Worshipful, to reduce all matter 
into proper form; to bring to due subjection irregular 
passions, and to circumscribe them by harmony, order, 
and duty. 

And lastly, I present to you the Book of Constitu- 
tions, in which are contained the rules and orders made 
for the good government of the Society ; and the charges, 
which show its nature, its wisdom, and its utility. — 
With this book, Most Worshipful, you will direct your 
Lodges to make themselves well acquainted — a work, in 
all its parts, worthy the attention of men the most en- 
lightened and judicious. 

You are now, Most Worshipful, at the head of an 
Order which is calculated to unite men by true friend- 
ship ; to extend benevolence, and to promote virtue. — 
And, give me leave to say, that the honor with which 
you are invested is not unworthy of a man of the high- 



154 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

est rank, or most distinguished abilities. Permit me, 
also, to remind you, that your faithful attention to the 
duties of your office, and acceptable discharge of them, 
will render you of great benefit to one of the most libe- 
ral Institutions upon earth. 

May you do honor to your exalted station ; and long 
enjoy the highest respect and best wishes of all the Fra- 
ternity. 

ADDRESS AT INITIATION OF A CLERGYMAN. 

You, Brother, are a preacher of that religion, which 
inculcates universal benevolence and unbounded charity. 
You will, therefore, be fond of the Order, and zealous 
for the interests of Freemasonry, which, in the strong- 
est manner, inculcates the same charity and benevolence, 
and which, like that religion, encourages every moral 
and social virtue ; which introduces peace and good-will 
anions: mankind. So that whoever is warmed with the 
spirit of Christianity, must esteem, must love Freema- 
sonry. 

Here, virtue, the grand object in view, luminous as the 
meridian sun, shines refulgent on the mind ; enlivens the 
heart, and warms with sympathy and affection. 

Though every man, who carefully listens to the dic- 
tates of reason, may arrive at a clear persuasion of the 
beauty and necessity of virtue, both private and public, 
yet it is a full recommendation of a society, to have 
these pursuits continually in view, as the sole object of 
their association: and these are the laudable bonds which 
unite us in one indissoluble Fraternity. 

ADDRESS AT INITIATION OF A FOREIGNER. 

You, Brother, the native and subject of another na- 
tion, by entering into our Order, have connected your- 



SYMBOLIC CHART. 155 

self, by sacred and affectionate ties, with thousands of 
Masons in this and other countries. Ever recollect that 
the Order you have entered into, bids you always to look 
upon the world as one great republic, of which every 
nation is a family, and every particular person a child. — 
When, therefore, you return and settle in your own coun- 
try, take care that the progress of friendship be not con- 
fined to the narrow circle of national connections, or 
particular religions ; but let it be universal, and extend 
to every branch of the human race. At the same time, 
remember that, beside the common ties of humanity, 
you have at this time entered into obligations, which en- 
gage you to kind and friendly actions to your Brother 
Masons, of whatever station, country, or religion. 

ADDRESS AT INITIATION OF A SOLDIER. 

Our Institution breathes a spirit of general philanthro- 
py. Its benefits, considered in a social view, are exten- 
sive. It unites all mankind. It, in every nation, opens 
an asylum to virtue in distress, and grants hospitality to 
the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles 
of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are 
essential to it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, pre- 
judices, and animosities. The rage of contest it has 
abated, and substituted in its stead the milder emotions 
of humanity. It has even taught the pride of victory to 
give way to the dictates of an honorable connection. 

Should your country demand your services in foreign 
wars, and captivity should be your portion, may you find 
ffectionate Brethren where others would only find ene- 
mies. 

In whatever nation you travel, when you meet a Ma- 
son, you will find a Brother and a friend, who will do 
all in his power to serve you; and who will relieve you, 



156 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

should you be poor or in distress, to the utmost of his 
ability, and with ready cheerfulness. 

PRAYER AT INITIATION. 

Thou Supreme! Author of peace and lover of con- 
cord — bless us in the exercise of those kind and social 
affections thou hast given us. May we cherish and dis- 
play them as our honor and our joy. May this our 
friend, who is now to become our Brother, devote his 
life to thy service, and consider aright the true principles 
of his engagements. May he be endowed with Wisdom 
to direct him in all his ways; Strength to support him 
in all his difficulties ; and Beauty to adorn his moral 
conduct. And may we jointly and individually walk 
within compass, and square our actions by the dictates 
of conscience and virtue, and the example of the wise 
and good. Amen. 

ANOTHER. 

Grand Architect! Behold us aspiring toward thee. 
Thy works fill us with rapture. Heaven's gates stand 
open to welcome the sons of glory ! 

Behold our friend and soon to be our Brother! enter- 
ing upon the threshold, which is before this apartment 
in thy works. May love burst the silence around him, 
and salute him welcome at the first step. May joy tri- 
umph in his heart, and friendship guide him as he as- 
cends. May his countenance be cheered by the light, 
and confidence increase as he passes on. May he be- 
hold the emblems of his labor, and his heart reply in 
ready obedience. May the cheerfulness inspired by the 
dawning light, attend him through the day: and when a 
long day is complete, may he find his lot with the faith- 
ful, in the immortal glory of the Temple, which is pure 
with the light of God, and eternal in the heavens ! 



SYMBOLIG CHART. 157 

ANOTHER. 

O thou, whose Temple we are ! On the mountain of 
thy truth, let our sublime edifice display its glory. Let 
the eye of the Master meet the Son of Light as he en- 
ters. Let the greater lights, by the help of the less, 
illuminate the whole scene of his duty and of his plea- 
sure. Behold us with thy brightness, at this hour, lead- 
ing a young Son into thy Temple. Like the Temple, let 
him be beauteous without, and all glorious within. Let 
his soul be capacious as thy truth, and his affections pure 
as the serene heavens, when the silent moon gives her 
light. Let him obey as the sun, who labors until per- 
fect day, with increasing strength ; and let all the pur- 
poses of his heart be as the stars which tell of worlds 

unknown, and are notices of boundless benevolence 

Let him move like the heavenly orbs in harmony; and 
should he stretch across the universe, may he disturb no 
soul in his course. Within this Temple may he be sa- 
cred as the altar, sweet as the incense, and pure as the 
most holy place. Among thy ministering servants, may 
he be ready as an angel of God, and faithful as a be- 
loved Son. And when his service is finished, may his 
memory be celebrated by love, on the durable monuments 
of eternity; and his reward, in the silent solemn joy of 
heaven, be sure from the hand of God, the Grand Mas- 
ter of us all. 

PRAYER AT OPENING GRAND LODGE. 

O most glorious and eternal God, the infinitely wise 
Architect of the universe; we, thy servants, assembled 
in solemn Grand Lodge, would extol thy power and 
wisdom. 

Thou saidst, Let there be light, and there was light. 
The heavens opened and declared thy glory; and the 



158 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

firmament spangled with thy handy-work. The sun, who 
rules the day, gave light to the moon, who rules the 
night surrounded with the stars. So that there is one 
glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and one 
star differs from another star in glory; and all, by most 
wondrous signs and tokens, without voice, sound, or lan- 
guage, solemnly proclaim thy divine mysteries. 

We adore thee for our creation; for the breath of life: 
for the light of reason and conscience ; and for all the 
noble and useful faculties of our souls ; which give us 
so exalted a rank in the order of being. Enable us to 
live answerably to our exalted privileges and happy des- 
tination. 

We beseech thee to give us, thy servants, at this, and 
at all times, wisdom in all our doings; strength of mind 
in our difficulties ; and the beauty of harmony in all our 
communications with one another. 

Grant, that thy servant, who has been solemnly in- 
vested with authority and rule, over these Lodges, may 
be indued with knowledge and wisdom ; and may we, and 
all our Brethren under his jurisdiction, understand, learn, 
and keep all the statutes and commandments of the 
Lord, pure and undefiled. May brotherly love and cha- 
rity always abound among us. And when we have fin- 
ished our work here below, let our transition be from this 
earthly tabernacle to the heavenly temple above; there, 
among thy jewels, may we appear in thy glory forever 
and ever. 

Bless and prosper, we pray thee, every branch and 
member of this Fraternity, throughout the habitable 
earth. May thy kingdom of peace, love, and harmony 
come. May thy will be done on earth, as it is in hea- 
ven, and the whole world be filled with thy glory. — 
Amen. 



SYMBOLIC CHART. I59 

PRAYER AT CONSTITUTING A LODGE. 

Great, adorable, and Supreme Being! We praise thee 
for all thy mercies, and especially for giving us desires 
to enjoy, and powers of enjoying, the delights of society. 
The affections which thou hast implanted in us, and 
which we cannot destroy without violence to our nature, 
are among the chief blessings which thy benign wisdom 
hath bestowed upon us : help us duly to improve all our 
powers to the promotion of thy glory in the world, and 
the good of our fellow-creatures. 

May we be active under thy divine light, and dwell in 
thy truth. 

Extend thy favor to us who are now entering into a 
Fraternal compact under peculiar obligations. Enable 
us to be faithful to thee, faithful in our callings in life, 
faithful Masons in all the duties of the Craft, and faith- 
ful to each other as members of this Society. Take us 
under the shadow of thy protection; and to thy service 
and glory may we consecrate our hearts. May we al- 
ways put faith in thee, have hope in salvation, and be in 
charity with all mankind ! Amen. 



BY-LAWS 

FOR 

SUBORDINATE LODGES 



ARTICLE I. 

OF A LODGE. 

Sec. 1. This Lodge shall be known and designated 
as Lodge No. subordinate to, and under the 

jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of 

Sec. 2. The stated meetings of this Lodge shall be 
held at their Lodge-room, in the town (or city of 
or at the house of) in the county of on the 

of each month. 

Sec. 3. The Lodge shall hold special meetings at 
the call of the Worshipful Master or presiding officers. 

ARTICLE II. 

OF MEMBERS. 

Sec. 1. Every candidate, when initiated, passed, and 
raised in this Lodge, may become a member by signing 
the By-laws contained on the record book of this Lodge. 

Sec 2. None but Master Masons shall be entitled to 
membership in this Lodge. 

Sec. 3. Brethren applying for membership shall pe- 
tition in writing at a stated meeting, and if vouched for 
by two members of this Lodge, the petition shall lie 
over until the next stated meeting, and may be acted on, 
on that or any subsequent stated meeting; and before the 
ballot is taken, the applicant shall produce a certificate, 
or give other satisfactory evidence, that he was in good 
(160) 



BY-LAWS, ETC. 161 

standing in, and had paid all dues to, the Lodge of which 
he was last a member, if within the United States. 
The unanimous vote shall be necessary to an election. 

ARTICLE III. 

OF ELECTIONS. 

Sec 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior 
Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, Steward and Tyler 
(both of which last offices may be held by the same 
person), shall be chosen by ballot on the stated meet- 
ing in the month of annually: and the above 
officers shall be installed on the , or as soon there- 
after as practicable. 

Sec. 2. No Brother who is indebted to the Lodge for 
dues or contributions to the amount of dollars, 

shall be eligible to any office, or entitled to vote for any 
officer. 

Sec 3. A majority of all the members present entitled 
to vote shall be necessary to an election. 

Sec 4. The Worshipful Master, and Senior Warden 
shall appoint their Deacons immediately after their in- 
stallation. 

ARTICLE IV. 

OF INITIATION AND ADVANCEMENT. 

Sec 1. Every applicant for initiation in this Lodge, 

shall make his intention known in writing, and state his 

residence, age, and occupation. This shall be done at a 

stated monthly meeting, and the petition must be signed 

by one or more members of said Lodge, as recommender 

and avoucher. The Worshipful Master shall appoint a 

committee of two or more members, to inquire into the 

character of the applicant, and report thereon at the next 

stated meeting, unless further time shall be required. 

On the report being made, the ballot shall be taken. 
14 



162 T HE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Sec. 2. In balloting for candidates for initiation, pass- 
ing, raising, or membership, one negative vote shall 
reject. 

Sec 3. All candidates shall be balloted for in a Mas- 
ter Mason's Lodge, and for each degree separately.* 

Sec 4. No candidate shall receive any degree in this 
Lodge, unless he pays for the same in advance. 

Sec 5. No Entered Apprentice shall be passed to the 
degree of Fellowcraft in less time than , nor any 

Fellowcraft raised to the sublime degree of Master Ma- 
son in less time than , nor until they have become 
proficient in the preceding degree, unless it be a case of 
emergency, to be determined so by the unanimous voice 
of the members present. 

Sec 6. Every candidate for advancement shall be 
examined in open Lodge as to his proficiency in the 
degree last conferred on him, after which a ballot may 
be taken on his application. 

ARTICLE V. 

OF THE MASTER. 

Sec I. The Worshipful Master shall appoint a stand- 
ing committee of three members, to serve during his term 
of office, and all other committees not specially formed 
by these By-laws. 

Sec 2. He shall cause these By-laws to be read in 
open Lodge, either quarterly or semi-annually. 

Sec 3. He shall cause those Resolutions which are 
of a general or permanent nature, or those affecting his 
Lodge, which were passed at the preceding Grand com- 
munication of the Grand Lodge, to be read in open 

* In some Lodges the petition is for the three degrees, and only one 
ballot is required to elect to all, and the ballot taken on application for 
advancement is on his proficiency in the preceding degree. 



BY-LAWS, ETC. 163 

Lodge, at the first stated meeting of the Lodge, after 
the proceedings of the Grand Lodge shall have been 
received. 

Sec. 4. He shall decide all questions of order, and his 
decision shall be final. 

ARTICLE VI. 

OF THE SECRETARY. 

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to receive 
and collect all moneys due to the Lodge, and pay them 
over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same : 
to keep a regular account with each member: to take 
minutes of the proceedings of the Lodge : to make out 
all reports required by the Lodge (except of Commit- 
tees) : to keep a register of all delinquencies, rejections, 
suspensions, and expulsions : to fill up all diplomas, 
keeping an account of the same: and to show a state- 
ment of each delinquent member, at the stated meeting 
for the election of officers. 

Sec. 2. He shall keep the Seal of the Lodge under 
his charge, and shall be held accountable for the same. 

Sec. 3. He shall keep a Register, in which he shall 
require all visitors to enroll their names, and the names 
and numbers of the Lodges from which they hail, or 
were last members of. And for his services he shall be 
exempt from monthly contributions, and receive per 

cent, on all moneys coming into his hands belonging to 
the Lodge. 

ARTICLE VII. 

OF THE TREASURER. 

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to re- 
ceive all moneys from the Secretary, giving his receipt 
for the same: and to pay them out by order of the Wor- 
shipful Master and the consent of the Lodge : to keep a 



164 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

just and true account of his receipts and disbursements, 
and make a report of the same at each stated meeting 
next preceding the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, 
and oftener if required by the Lodge : and shall have his 
account ready for settlement at the expiration of his term 
of office, or within one week thereafter : and deliver to 
his legal successor all moneys, accounts, vouchers, docu 
ments, and other property belonging to the Lodge. 

Sec. 2. He shall be entitled to per cent, on all 

moneys coming into his hand belonging to the Lodge, 
as a compensation for his services. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

OF THE TYLER. 

Sec 1. The Tyler shall serve all notifications and 
summons, issuing from the Lodge or Worshipful Mas- 
ter : keep the Lodge-rooms in good order, the regalia of 
the Lodge clean and fit for use, and see that every brother 
is properly clothed before he is admitted into the Lodge- 
room ; and for his services shall receive for each 
time he tyles the Lodge. 

Sec 2. In case of the absence of the Tyler, the brother 
who discharges the duties of his office shall be entitled 
to the compensation for said services. 

ARTICLE IX. 

RULES of order of business. 

Sec 1. First, Unfinished business. Second, Reports 
of Committees of investigation. Third, Balloting on 
Petitions. Fourth, Reception of Petitions for degrees. 
Fifth, Motions, Resolutions, and general business. — 
Sixth, Conferring degrees. 

Sec 2. Applications for advancement must be made 
at a stated meeting or at a special meeting called for that 



BY-LAWS, ETC. 165 

purpose, of which due notice shall be given to the 
members. 

Sec. 3. No business shall be transacted at a special 
meeting, except that specified in the order. 

Sec. 4. The sense of the Lodge, on all questions, 
shall be determined by the yeas and nays, the members 
rising, or holding up hands, or by ballot. 

Sec. 5. In all cases, every member present when the 
question is put, shall vote, unless he may be, for special 
reasons, excused by the Lodge. 

Sec. 6. A majority of votes shall govern, when not 
otherwise provided. 

Sec. 7. In the ordinary business of the Lodge, any 
member voting in the majority may move for a recon- 
sideration of the resolution. 

Sec. 8. If a candidate shall fail to apply for the de- 
gree for months after being balloted for and re- 
ceived, his fee shall be forfeited to the Lodge, unless he 
can satisfy the Lodge that the delay was unavoidable. 

ARTICLE X. 

COMMITTEE OF CHARITY. 

Sec. 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and 
Junior Warden shall be the Committee of Charity, and 
shall be authorized to draw from the funds of the Lodge 
by an order from the Worshipful Master any sum not 
exceeding dollars, for the relief of any one object 

at one time. 

Sec 2. The Lodge shall have authority, by resolution of 
a majority of the members present, to bestow any sum of 
money, not otherwise appropriated, for any charitable or 
benevolent purpose, the Worshipful Master to draw the 
money from the funds of the Lodge by a written order, and 
apply the same as the resolution of the Lodge shall direct 



166 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ARTICLE XI. 

OF VISITING BRETHREN. 

Sec. 1. Every brother visiting this Lodge shall re- 
gister his name and the Lodge from which he hails, or 
was last a member of, in a book kept for that purpose. 

Sec. 2. No brother residing in this State, who is not 
a member of any Lodge, shall have the privilege of visit- 
ing this Lodge more than times without being 
subject to a monthly contribution. 

ARTICLE XII. 

OF REVEALING THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE LODGE. 

If a candidate for initiation or membership is rejected, 
or a brother suspended or expelled, no brother shall either 
directly or indirectly make known to him who the brother 
or brethren were that opposed him, or in any manner 
make known any of the transactions of the Lodge, that 
it would be improper to make public, unless it be to a 
brother in good standing. Any brother so offending, 
shall be deemed guilty of unmasonic conduct, and shall 
be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled, as the Lodge 
may determine the nature of the case to demand, and 
immediately after a rejection, suspension, or expulsion 
takes place, the Worshipful Master shall cause this 
article to be read, that none may plead ignorance of its 
existence. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

OF A LODGE OF EMERGENCY. 

The Worshipful Master, or, in his absence, the Pre- 
siding Warden, shall have power to call a meeting of the 
Lodge at any time, for masonic purposes; the particular 
object of the meeting shall be expressed in the order, and 
that exhibited to each member notified. 



BY-LAWS, ETC. 167 

ARTICLE XIV. 

OF DIPLOMAS AND DEMISSIONS. 

Sec. 1. Every member of this Lodge, in good standing, 
shall be entitled to a diploma, upon application to the 
Lodge, for which he shall pay to the Secretary a fee 
of dollars. 

Sec 2. Any brother in good standing may, at any 
time, demit from this Lodge, on making his desire 
known, and producing the Secretary's receipt for his 
dues in full, and contributing one dollar to the charity 
fund. 

ARTICLE XV. 

OF FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS. 

The fee for Initiation shall be 
" Passing " 

" Raising " 

" Admission " 

" Quarterly Contribution 

The fees, in all cases, to be paid in advance. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

OF THE BY-LAWS. 

Sec 1. Any brother desirous of a change or altera- 
tion of these By-laws, shall present the same in writing 
at a stated meeting, when, if it shall be deemed expe- 
dient, an order shall be issued directing the members to 
be notified that such an amendment was offered, and 
would be acted on at the next stated meeting; at which 
time, if a majority of the members are present, it shall 
be called up, and a vote of two-thirds of the members 
present shall be required to adopt the amendment. 

Sec 2. No section or part of these By-laws shall be 
suspended for any purpose whatever, except that portion 



168 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

of the first section of Article IV, which requires a peti- 
tion to lie over until the next stated meeting, and that, 
only in cases of the most urgent necessity or emergency, 
to be so determined by the unanimous voice of the mem- 
bers present, and at a stated meeting. 

Sec. 3. Every member shall be furnished with a copy 
of these By-laws at the expense of the Lodge. 

Sec. 4. These By-laws shall be recorded in a book, 
and every member shall subscribe his name thereunto. 



INDEX TO THE FORMS, ETC. 

No. 1. Caption for the meeting. 



" 2. J 


Recorc 


[ of officers and members. 


" 3. 


a 


of opening. 


" 4. 


a 


business. 


" 5. 


a 


report of committee, on character. 


" 6. 


a 


" ballot. 


" 7. 


a 


of petition for initiation. 


" 8. 


a 


application for second degree. 


" 9. 


a 


" third " 


" 10. 


a 


" membership. 


" 11. 


a 


ballot on petition for " 


" 12. 


a 


of report of standing committee, etc. 


" 13. 


a 


claims, against the Lodge. 


" 14. 


a 


application for diploma. 


" 15. 


a 


" demit. 


" 16. 


a 


Lodge called off. 


" 17. 


66 


E. Ap. Lodge opened, and first degree 
conferred. 


" 18. 


66 


" closed. 


" 19. 


a 


F. Craft's opened and second degree con- 
ferred. 


" 20. 


66 


" closed. 


" 21. 


66 


M. M. Lodge called to labor and third 
degree conferred. 


" 22. 


a 


" closed. 


" 23. 


a 


Caption of special meeting. 


" 24. 


a 


" for burial. 


" 25. 


66 


" " procession. 


" 26. 


66 


Remarks on opening and closing in the 

degrees. 


" 27. 


a 


on transacting business. 


" 28. 


66 


on closing the Lodges. 


" 29. 


a 


petitions. 


" 30. 


a 


payment of fees. 


" 31. 


a 


special meetings. 


" 32. 


66 


returns for Lodges under dispensation, etc. 


« 33. 


ii 


officers resigning or demitting. 


" 34. 


Duty 


of Secretary. 


" 35. 


a 


Treasurer. 


15 


169 



FORMS, INSTRUCTIONS, ETC., 



FOB 



SECRETARIES OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Captions for the leading items of business in the or- 
dinary transactions of a Lodge, embraced in the pro- 
ceedings of one meeting. 

As a reference, the Secretary will follow the sections 
down, until he finds the caption of the entry he wishes 
to make. 

MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF A LODGE. 

No. 1. — -A stated meeting of , Lodge No. , 

was held at the Lodge room, in the town of , in 

the county of , state of , on the , day 

of A. L. 5850. A. D. 1850. 

No. 2. — Present Brother, A. B. Worshipful Master. 

C. D. S. W. 

E. F. J. W. 

G. H. Treasurer. 

J. K. Secretary. 

L. M. S. D. 

O. P. J. D. 

R. T. Tyler and Steward. 
Members, brothers A. D., B. F., A. M., & M. B. 

Visiting brethren, C. R., Union Lodge, No.- , 

Kentucky, E. G., Solomon's Lodge, Tennessee. 

(170) 



FORMS, ETC. 171 

No. 3. — The Lodge was opened in the third de- 
gree of Masonry, in due form, for the dispatch of 
business'. 

No. 4. — The minutes of the preceding meeting having 
been read, the Lodge proceeded to the action on the 
unfinished business. 

That being disposed of — 

No. 5. — The committee of investigation, on the peti- 
tion of Mr. B. F., having reported favorably, the Lodge 
proceeded to ballot on the case, when he was declared to 
be duly elected. 

No. 6. — The committee of investigation on the petition 
of Mr. H. J., having reported favorably, the Lodge pro- 
ceeded to ballot on his case, when there appearing three 
blackballs, he was declared to be rejected — and his initia- 
tion fee ordered to be refunded to him. 

No. 7. — The petition of Mr. J. S., praying to be 
initiated into the mysteries of Masonry in this Lodge, 
was received, read, and laid over until the next stated 
meeting. The Worshipful Master appointed Brothers 
C, E., and H., the committee of investigation on his 
petition. 

The fee for initiation accompanied the petition, which 
was placed to his credit. 

No. 8. — The application of brother S. W., to be 
passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, was received, and 
he having been examined in open Lodge as to his pro- 
ficiency in the E. Apprentice's degree, the Lodge pro- 
ceeded to ballot on his application, when he was de- 
clared to be duly elected to take the second degree of 
Masonry. 

No. 9.— The application of brother T. M., to be 
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason was 







172 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

received, and he having been examined in open Lodge, 
as to his proficiency in the FellowcrafVs degree, the 
Lodge proceeded to ballot on his application, when he 
was declared to be duly elected to take the third degree 
of Masonry. 

No. 10.— The petition of brother E. M., a Mas- 
ter Mason, praying to be admitted a member of this 
Lodge, was received, and laid over until the next stated 
meeting. 

No. 11. — The petition of brother N. W., for mem- 
bership, which had lain over from the last stated meet- 
ing, was called up, and he having complied with all 
the requisitions of the By-laws, a ballot was taken there- 
on, when he was declared to be duly elected a member 
of this Lodge. 

No. 12. — The standing committee reported the claims 
of Brother H. S. to be correct, and the charges reason- 
able; and recommended the adoption of the following 
resolution; "Resolved, That the Treasurer pay the ac- 
count of Brother H. S., as audited," when, on motion, 
the report was received and agreed to, and the resolu- 
tion adopted. 

No. 13. — An account was presented against the Lodge 
by Brother B. H., for , amounting to , dol- 

lars, which on motion was referred to the standing com- 
mittee for examination. 

No. 14. — Brother P. R. applied to the Lodge for a 
diploma, which was granted him, and the Secretary 
ordered to furnish the same. 

No. 15. — Brother J. P. applied to the Lodge for a 
dimit, and having complied with all the requisitions of 
the By-laws, it was granted to him, and the Secretary 
ordered to furnish the same. 



FORMS, ETC. 173 

(If there is no further business, and there are degrees 
to be conferred, either on the same individual in case of 
emergency, or on different candidates, the following 
entry will be made.) 

No. 16. — The Master Mason's Lodge was called 
from labor to refreshment. 

No. 17. — An Entered Apprentice's Lodge was then 
opened for the purpose of initiating Mr. F. C, who 
having been previously elected, and being in waiting, 
was introduced and initiated into the solemn mysteries 
of Masonry, in due and ancient form. 

* (If there is no other business to be transacted in 
this degree at this meeting, the Entered Apprentice's 
Lodge will now be closed, and the following will be the 
entry.) 

No. 18. — No further business appearing before this 
Entered Apprentice's Lodge, the same was closed in 
harmony and good order. 

No. 19. — A Fellowcraft's Lodge was then opened for 
the purpose of conferring the second degree of Masonry 
on Brother G. B., who having been previously elected, 
and being in waiting, was introduced and passed to the 
degree of Fellowcraft, in due and ancient form. 

(If there is no other business to be transacted in this 
degree at this meeting, the Fellowcraft's Lodge will be 
closed, and the following will be the entry.) 

No. 20. — No further business appearing before the 
Fellowcraft's Lodge, the same was closed in harmony 
and good order. 

No. 21. — The Master Mason's Lodge was then called 
from refreshment to labor, when Brother M. C, having 
been previously elected, and being in waiting, was in- 

* See page 53. 



174 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

troduced and raised to the sublime degree of Master 
Mason, in due and ancient form. 

(If there is no other business to be transacted at this 
meeting, the Secretary will read the minutes, in order 
that the Brethren may know whether or not all the 
business has been transacted, that was desired, and in 
the manner satisfactory to a majority of the members 
present ; and that suitable entries of the same have been 
made ; if so, the Lodge will be closed, and the following 
will be the entry.) 

No. 22. — No further business appearing before the 
Lodge, the same was closed in harmony and good order, 
until the next stated meeting, or during the Worshipful 
Master's will and pleasure. 

A. B., Master. 

J. K., Secretary. 

No. 23. — A special meeting of Lodge No. 

was held at the Lodge-room in the town of , in 

the county of , state of , on the day 

of , A. L. 5850. A. D. 1850. 

Present, Brother A. B., W. Master, 

etc. etc. 

Members, etc. 

Visiting Brethren, etc. 

The Lodge was opened in the third degree of Ma- 
sonry, in due form, for the dispatch of business. 

No. 24. — The Lodge was convened for the pur- 
pose of making suitable arrangement for interring the 
remains of our deceased Brother S. H., with Masonic 
honors. 

The Lodge then proceeded with the ceremonies ap- 
propriate for the occasion. 

No. 25.— The Worshipful Master then appointed 



FORMS, ETC. 175 

Brother H. F., Marshal, to conduct the procession; 
Brother C. D. to bear the Holy writings; Brother E. 
H., and G. F., as stewards, and Brothers D., P., S., R., 
L., and W., as pall bearers; The Lodge then *adjourn- 
ed, when a Procession was formed, and moved to the 
late residence of the deceased, and there received his 
remains in charge ; thence to the church, etc.; thence to 
tae place of interment, where with all due solemnity the 
body was consigned to the tomb, with the usual Masonic 
honors, and the last sad tribute of respect paid to the 
remains of our departed brother. 

The procession then returned to the Lodge-room, 
when the Lodge was called to order, and the following 
resolutions adopted: 

Resolved, That etc., etc. 
' Resolved, " etc. etc. wear the usual badge, etc. 

Resolved, That Brothers A. and B., be a committee 
to deliver to the family of the deceased a copy of the 
above resolutions, and the sympathies and condolence 
of the Lodge. 

No further business, etc. 

A. B., Master. 

J. K., Secretary. 

No. 26. — It is the practice, in some Lodges, to open 
the Lodge at their stated meetings in the first degree, 
and dispense with that Lodge, and open in the second 
degree, dispense with that, and open in the third degree, 
and proceed to business; after which, that Lodge is 
closed, and labor resumed in the second degree, which 
is then closed and labor resumed in the first degree ; after 
dispatching the business, if any, that is also closed , 

* Sketches of the Ancient History of Masonry. 



176 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

In others the custom is, after opening the Lodges 
as above, to close them all at once in the Master's 
Lodge. 

As by the ceremony of opening a Master Mason's 
Lodge, the Entered Apprentice and F. C. Lodges are 
not opened, nor can any business be transacted in 
either the first or second degree, until the said Lodges 
are regularly opened in due and ancient form, so 
it does appear that when they are regularly opened 
for the dispatch of business, the ceremony of closing 
the Master Mason's Lodge does not regularly close 
them also, but that they should be closed separately, 
in the same due and ancient form, in which they were 
opened. 

No. 27. — It is not proper to transact the business of 
an inferior degree in a superior Lodge regularly opened 
for dispatch of business, but that Lodge should be either 
closed or called from labor to refreshment, and the ap- 
propriate Lodge regularly opened, the business dis- 
patched, and then regularly closed, when, if the superior 
Lodge had been called off, it should then be called on, 
and in due time closed. 

No. 28. — Entered Apprentice's and Fellowcraft's 
Lodges are closed in harmony and good order, and not 
until the next stated meeting. 

A Master Mason's Lodge is closed in harmony and 
good order until the next stated meeting, or during the 
Worshipful Master's will and pleasure, because it is 
imperatively required that the Lodge shall be opened in 
that degree at every stated meeting for the dispatch of 
business, as no business can be transacted in the inferior 
degrees except conferring the degrees. 

No. 29. — In some Lodges the candidate petitions for 



FORMS, ETC. 177 

the three degrees at the same time, and but one ballot is 
taken, and if he is elected, he is required to apply for 
each degree within a specified time or forfeit his fees, he 
having paid the fees for the three degrees, before he was 
received. 

In others the candidate petitions, and pays for each 
degree separately, at such times as may best suit his 
convenience or inclination, and a separate ballot is taken 
on each petition. 

No. 30. — Some Lodges require the fee to accompany 
the petition ; others (and all should) require the fee to be 
paid, or the Secretary express himself satisfied before the 
ballot is taken, in which case the Secretary is account- 
able for the fee. 

No. 31. — When a Lodge is called for a special pur- 
pose, it should be fully stated in the notification, and no 
other business but that so expressed can be transacted at 
that meeting. 

No. 32. — No return is required from Lodges under 
dispensation, but the book containing all the proceedings 
of the Lodge and the By-laws, must be submitted to the 
Grand Lodge for examination and approval, before ap- 
plication can be made for a charter. 

Lodges under dispensation are not entitled to repre- 
sentation in the Grand Lodge. Nor are they required 
to pay contribution to the same. As they are not ac- 
knowledged regular Lodges, until they are regularly 
constituted under the Charter, their Oilicers installed, 
and the return of the Deputy Grand Master, who offi- 
ciated, made to the Grand Secretary, and it duly re- 
corded. 

No. 33. — No officer can resign or dimit during his 
term of office. 



178 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

No. 34. — As it is the duty of the Secretary to receive 
all moneys due to the Lodge, he should make an entry 
of the same on the minutes of the Lodge, if in session; if 
not, on the minutes of the succeeding meeting, specify- 
ing each particular sum, from whom received, and on 
what account; and pay the same over to the Treasurer, 
taking his receipt for the amount, which receipt is his 
voucher, to be produced at the examination of the Secre- 
tary's and Treasurer's books by the Committee. By 
this mode, the record will show the amount received by 
the Secretary, his receipts, the amount paid over to the 
Treasurer, and his vouchers the amount of the dis- 
bursements, as also the balance in the hands of the 
Treasurer. 

No. 35. — As it is the Treasurer's duty in disbursing 
the funds, to pay out to the order of the W. M. by the 
consent of the brethren, he should require the order of 
the Master, based on a general or special resolution of 
the Lodge, as his voucher for the disbursement. Com- 
mittees have no right to draw on him for the payment 
of accounts submitted to them to audit, but they must 
return the account to the Lodge, with a report, and 
the payment must be ordered by a resolution of the 
Lodge. 

No. 36. — Claims against the Lodge should be made 
out in writing and presented to the Lodge, and should 
be then referred to the Standing Committee of Accounts, 
whose duty it is to scrutinize the account or claim, to see 
if the items are correct and the charges reasonable, and 
report to the Lodge as to the justness of the claim, which, 
should then be submitted to the Lodge and its consent 
obtained for its payment ; which may be done by resolu 
tion or motion. 



FORMS, ETC. 179 

The following entries are recommended to be made on 
the claim, viz : 

Examined and found to be correct. 

I860, A. B. ) 

C. D. >Comittee. 
E. F. ) 

Allowed by the Lodge, 

1850. G. H., Secretary. 

Ordered to be paid, 

1850. J. K. Master. 

This would then be a regular voucher to the Treasurer 
for its payment. 

No. 37. — Immediately after the Lodge is opened, the 
Secretary should read the minutes of the preceding stated 
meeting, as well as of the called meetings (if any) in 
order that the unfinished business may be transacted first 
in order; and not for the purpose (as some suppose) 
of being approved by the members and signed by the 
Master. 

No. 38. — The minutes of each Lodge should always 
be read previously to its being closed, in order that the 
brethren present may be satisfied that all the business 
laid before the Lodge had been transacted, and in a satis- 
factory manner, and a proper record made of the same; 
and if on reading there should appear any mistakes or 
omissions, then is the time to correct them, and approve 
the record, and not at a subsequent meeting, when those 
most active or interested in the transactions might be 
absent, and those then present could not judge of their 
correctness, or if they could, it would not be competent 
to alter the records of one meeting at any subsequent 
communication. 



Igg THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Return of Lodge working U. D. from the M. 
W. G. Lodge of the State of for the year 18- 



The Lodge held its first meeting under the dispensa- 
tion on the day of , A. L. 58. 

The Lodge has held fifteen meetings and has con- 
ferred degrees, as follows: 

There have been initiated - - - - 00 
" « " passed - - - - 00 
" " " raised - - - - 00 



Total .... 00 
Amount of dues received - - - - 000.00 

Disbursed, as per account rendered - - 000,00 



Balance in the Treasury - - - - 000,00 

I certify the above Return to be correct, 

A B , W. M. 
[Seal] Attest 

C. D , Sec. 

FORM OF A PETITION FOR A CHARTER. 

To the M. W. Grand Master, Wardens, and Members 
of the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of 

The undersigned petitioners, to whom a warrant of 
dispensation was granted by the M. W. Grand Master, 
bearing date the day of , A. L. 58 , em- 

powering them to assemble and work after the manner of 
a Lodge, respectfully represent that they have discharged 
the duty assigned to them to the best of their skill and 
ability, and in accordance with the requisition of the 
said warrant of dispensation, they herewith return the 
same to the M. W. Grand Lodge, together with the 
minutes of all the proceedings had under the same in said 
Lodge, and an account of receipts and disbursements of 



FORMS, ETC. 181 

moneys up to this date ; which are all respectfully sub- 
mitted for examination, and if they are approved, we 
most respectfully pray that a charter be issued, and we 
duly constituted a regular Lodge according to the ancient 
usages of Masonry. The prayer being granted, we pro- 
mise a strict conformity to all the regulations and com- 
mands of the Grand Master, and to all the constitutional 
laws of the Grand Lodge. 

Signed A. B. 

C. D. 

This must be signed by the E. F. 

petitioners, to whom the G. H. 

warrant of dispenation I. K. 

was granted. L. M. 

N. O. 

If the Grand Master, or Deputy Grand Master, cannot 
attend the ceremony of constituting the Lodge and install- 
ing the officers, the Grand Master may issue a dispensa- 
tion to any regular Past Master, to call to his aid two 
other regular Past Masters, and proceed to perform the 
ceremony. 

The following is a suitable form for such dispensation 
or authority : 

To Worshipful G. D , Past Master of 

Lodge No. , of Free and Accepted Masons. 

Worshipful Sir, and Brother: 

Having indubitable testimony of your ability and 
attachment to the ancient Craft, and reposing special con- 
fidence in your integrity, I do hereby authorize and 
appoint you to form and constitute a Lodge in the 
of , by the name and style of Lodge, No. , 
agreeably to a resolve of the M. W. Grand Lodge of the 



182 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

State of , held at , on the day of , 

A. L., 58 , and of the said Lodge, No. , you 
will install our beloved Brother, E. H , Worshipful 
Master, Brother F. M , Senior Warden, and C. 
W , Junior Warden, agreeably to the ancient usages, 
and make a report of your proceedings to the Grand 
Secretary; for all which this shall be your sufficient 
authority. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge 
of , of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at , 

this day of , A. D., 18 , A. L., 58 . 

[Seal] Attest F. M , G. Master. 

H. S , G. Sec. 

FORM OF A DIMIT. 

This is to certify that Brother A. B , is a worthy 

Master Mason, of good standing, in Lodge, No. , 
of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons, held at , 
in the State of , and having expressed a desire to 

withdraw his membership from said Lodge, for a time, 
and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Lodge, that he 
has paid all his dues up to this date, and otherwise com- 
plied with all the requisitions of the By-laws, leave was 
therefore granted, and the Secretary ordered to furnish 
him this Dimit. 

Given under my hand and the seal of said Lodge, on 
the day of , A. D., 18 , A. L., 58 . 

[Seal] C. D , Sec. 

FORM OF A PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of 

Lodge, No. , of Free and Accepted Masons. 

The petition of the subscriber respectfully showeth, 

that he is a Master Mason of good standing and residing 



FORMS, ETC. 183 

within the jurisdiction of your Lodge, he is desirous of 
being admitted a member therefore, if found worthy. A 
Dimit from Lodge, No. , held at in the 

State of , of which he was last a member, accom- 

panies this petition, which is prayed to be received, and 
if the petition is granted, he promises a strict compliance 
with the By-laws of the Lodge, and the general regula- 
tions and usages of Ancient York Masonry His resi- 
dence is (if in a city the street and number should 
be given). 

Jan. 1st, A. D., 18 . 

A. B 
Recommended by 

C. D 
E. F 
(See pages 241-266-302, 3, 5, 394, and 455). 



> Members. 



FORM OF A PROXY, FOR REPRESENTATIVE. 

To the M. W. Grand Master, Grand Wardens, and 

Members of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Ancient 

York Masons in the State of 

Whereas the legal representatives of Lodge, 

/p. , held at , in the State of , being 

mable to attend the ensuing grand annual communica- 
tion of the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of > 
and being desirous that said Lodge should be well and 
truly represented therein : 

Therefore know ye that said Lodge, at a (stated or 
special) meeting held on the day of , reposing 

special confidence in the skill and ability of our worthy 
and well-beloved Brother, A. B , a member of this 

Lodge, do hereby constitute and appoint him Proxy for 
the (W. M., S. or J. Wardens, as the case may be), and 
authorize and empower him to act in his stead as a legal 



184 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

representative of said Lodge, at the said ensuing commu- 
nication, hereby ratifying and confirming all his acts as 
representative as aforesaid. 

In witness whereof we have caused the secretary to 
affix the seal of the Lodge, on the day of , A 

D., 18 , A. L.,58 . 

[Seal] Attest 

C. D , Sec. 

As the W. Master, S. and J. Wardens are the legal 
and constitutional representatives of the Lodge, in the 
Grand Lodge, and as the Wardens succeed to the duties 
of the Master, in his absence or inability, it is not com- 
petent in the Lodge to appoint a representative to the 
exclusion of either of these officers ; but if the Master fails 
to act as representative, it is the dut}' of the S. Warden 
to assume his place, and in the absence of the S. War- 
den, the duty devolves on the J. Warden to fill the place of 
the Master; and if the Lodge wishes to have two or three 
representatives present, they can appoint a proxy for the 
S. and J. Wardens, who must be subordinate to the War- 
den who Jills the place of the Master, as he cannot be 
superseded by a resolution of the Lodge, his authority 
being derived from ancient usage, which cannot be 
changed by any regulation of a subordinate Lodge. If 
neither the M., S., or J. Wardens can attend, the Lodge 
may appoint and designate the office each representative 
is to fill ; if there is but one, he represents the Master. 

FORM OF A DIPLOMA. 

To all Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons, to 
whom these presents may come, greeting : 
Know ye, that our worthy and well-beloved Brother, 

A. F , has been regularly initiated, passed, and raised 



FORMS, ETC. 185 

to the sublime degree of Master Mason, in a just and 
legally constituted Lodge of Ancient York Masons, and 
is at this time in good standing among the Craft. At his 
request we have granted him this diploma, and cheerfully 
recommend him to the kind offices of all good Masons 
wheresoever dispersed around the globe. 

In testimony whereof, we, the officers of Lodge, 

No. , held at , State of , on behalf 

of said Lodge have hereunto set our hands and 
caused the seal of said Lodge to be affixed hereto 
on the day of , A. D., 18 , A. L., 58 . 

A. B , W. M. 

[Seal] Attest CD , S. W. 

G. H , Sec. E. F , J. W. 

A Brother may obtain a Diploma, and still remain a 
member of the Lod^e. 

When the Grand Master visits a subordinate Lodge 
at a stated Meeting, or on a festival or other public occa- 
sion, it is his province to preside, and if his Grand War- 
dens are also present, he may order them to fill their 
respective stations in the Lodge, yet this does not 
change the character of the Lodge, for it is but a subor- 
dinate Lodge, with the Grand Master and . Wardens 
presiding: nor can it be called a Grand Lodge, as it is 
not competent in the Grand Master to convert a subordi- 
nate Lodge into a Grand Lodge at his will and pleasure. 
It is true, he has a right to convene the Grand Lodge at 
any time and place most convenient for the object in view, 
but the Grand Lodge consists of the Grand Officers, the 
Masters, and Wardens of subordinate Lodges, or their 
legal representatives, and if the Grand Master wishes to 
hold a special communication of the Grand Lodge for 
any purpose, due and timely notice must be given to the 
16 



186 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

members thereof, by summons or otherwise. And secre- 
taries of subordinate Lodges should be careful to avoid 
the error, which prevails in some jurisdictions, of record- 
ing the proceedings of a subordinate Lodge as those of 
the Grand Lodge, merely because the Grand Master is 
present and presiding. (See p. 214 and 450.) 

The Masters', as well as the two preceding degrees, are 
opened and closed in the name of the holy St. John, to 
whom they are dedicated. 



FORMS, ETC. ]87 

Annual Return of , Lodge No. for the year 

ending Dec. 27, 1850, to the M. W. Grand Lodge 

of the State of 



OFFICERS. 



1. A. B. 


W. M. 


5. J. K. 


Sec. 


2. C. D. 


S. W. 


6. L. M. 


S. D. 


3. E. F. 


J. W. 


7. N. O. 


J. D. 


4. G. H. 


Treas. 


8. P. Q. 


St. & Ty. 



9. A. C. P. M. 
10. A. D. 



a 



MEMBERS. 

11. B.C. M. M. 

12. C.B. " 



13. D. B. M. M. 

14. D. C. " 



E. APPRENTICES INITIATED INTO THIS LODGE AND BE- 
FORE REPORTED. H. J. 

F. CRAFTS PASSED IN THIS LODGE AND BEFORE RE- 
PORTED. B. S. 



INITIATED. 

1. C. H. 1 

2. E. D. 1 


PASSED. 

1. C. H. 

2. E. D. 


RAISED. 

l.H. L. 
2. D. H. 


ADMITTED. 

None. | 


DIMITTED. 

None. 




REJECTED. 

None. 


SUSPENDED. 

None. | 


EXPELLED. 

None. 


REINSTATED. 

None. 


DIED. 




None 


• 



DUES TO THE GRAND LODGE. 

For Officers and Members at each 
For Degrees conferred, " " 



Total, $ 

The stated communications are held at county of 

on the day in each month, and on the 

Festivals of St. John the Baptist, and St. John the 
Evangelist. 

I certify the above return to be correct. 

Attest, A. B., Master. 

J. K., Secretary. 



]88 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



ODES, HYMNS, ANTHEMS, ETC 



ODE AT CONSTITUTING A LODGE. 

Genius of Masonry, descend, 

And with thee bring thy spotless train ; 
Constant onr sacred rites attend, 

While we adore thy peaceful reign. 

Come, Charity, with goodness crown'd, 
Encircled in thy heavenly robe ; 

Diffuse thy blessings all around, 
To every corner of the globe. 

Thy well built pile shall long endure, 
Through rolling years preserve its prime, 

Upon a rock it stands secure, 
And bears the rude assault of time. 

Y.e happy few, who here extend, 
In perfect lines from East to "West, 

"With fervent zeal the Lodge defend, 
And lock its secrets in each breast. 

Behold the planets, how they move, 
Yet keep due order as they run ; 

Then imitate the stars above, 
And shine resplendent as the sun ; 

That future Masons, when they meet, 
May all our glorious deeds rehearse, 

And say, their fathers were so great, 
That they adorned the universe. 

HYMN. 
Great source of light and love, 

To thee our songs we raise ! 
! in thy temple, Lord, above, 

Hear and accept our praise ! 

Shine on this festive day, 

Succeed its hop'd design, 
And may our charity display 

A love resembling thine. 



ODES, HYMNS, ETC. 189 

May this fraternal band, 

Now consecrated — blest,. 
In union all distinguish' d stand, 

In purity be drest ! 

May all the sons of peace, 

Their every grace improve ; 
'Till discord through the nations cease, 

And all the world be love ! 



ODE AT LAYING CORNER STONE. 
'Twas wisdom fashioned, 'twas strength thy temple rais'd, 
"When first eternal justice bade 

Life's varied ills untempered flow, 
'Twas then Almighty goodness said, 
Co Pity, cheer the realms of woe. 
Go mild Compassion, go Charity and Love, 
Tell man there's mercy yet above. 

Scarce fled from heaven the high behest, 

That whelm'd in light the smiling earth, 
Ere wide creation, doubly blest, 
Hail'd Masonry's propitious birth. 
"With strains majestic, ye Masons, lift the skies, 
Let grateful hallelujahs rise. 

Hail, Royal art ! in humble zeal, 

The Mason greets thy glad'ning sway ; 
'Tis thine to teach his heart to feel, 
And thine to bid his hand obey. 
'Twas wisdom fashioned, 'twas strength thy temple rais'd, 
And beauty o'er the fabric blazed. 

Sweet charity, whose soothing art, 

Can bid e'en apathy adore, 
Can sweep the chords of every heart, 
Primeval harmony restore. 
Come, lovely sister, come smooth life's rugged way, . 
And lead our souls to realms of day. 

HYMN AT DEDICATION. 
Supreme Grand Master ! most sublime I 
High thron'd in Glory's radiant clime ; 
Behold thy sons on bended knee, 
Conven'd, God ! to worship thee ! 



190 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

And as 'tis thine, with open ear, 
The suppliant voice of prayer to hear, 
Grant thou, Lord, this one request, 
Let Masons be, in blessing, blest. 

! give the craft, from pole to pole, 
The feeling heart, the pitying soul, 
The generous breast, the lib'ral hand, 
Compassion's balm, and mercy's band. 

With charity that pours around, 
The wine and oil on mis'ry's wound ; 
And heals the widow's orphan's heart, 
Deep pierced by sorrow's venom'd dart. 

Then to thy throne the craft shall raise 
One deathless song of grateful praise ; 
And, Masons, men, in chorus join, 
To hymn the power of love divine. 

That love supreme, thy love, God ! 
"Which heav'n itself shall pour abroad ; 
Till light, life, peace, adorn the vale, 
And angels, men, pronounce — all hail 1 

ANTHEM. 

" Let there be light," the Almighty spoke, 
Refulgent streams from chaos broke, 

To illume the rising earth ! 
Well pleas'd, the great Jehovah stood, 
The power Supreme pronounc'd it good, 
And gave the planets birth ! 

In choral numbers masons join ; 

To bless and praise this light divine. 

Parent of light ! accept our praise ! 
Who shed'st o'er us thy brightest rays, 

The light that fills our mind ; 
By choice selected, lo ! we stand ; 
By friendship join'd, a social band ! 

That love, that aid mankind ! 
In choral numbers, &c. 

The widow's tear, the orphan's cry, 
All wants our hands with speed supply, 
As far as power is given ! 



ODES, HYMNS, ETC. 191 

The naked clothe, the prisoner free, 

These are thy works, sweet Charity ! 
Reveal'd to us from Heaven ! 

In choral numbers, Masons, join, 
To bless and praise this light divine. 

HYMN. 
Master Supreme, accept our praise, 

Still bless this consecrated band ; 
Parent of light ! illume our ways, 

And guide us by thy sovereign hand. 

May Faith, Hope, Charity divine, 

Here hold their undivided reign ; 
Friendship and harmony combine 

To soothe our cares, to banish pain. 

May wisdom here disciples find, 

Beauty unfold her thousand charms, 
Science invigorate the mind, 

Expand the soul that virtue warms. 

May pity dwell within each breast, 

Relief attend the suffering poor, 
Thousands by this Lodge be blest, 

Till worth distress'd shall want no more. 

HYMN. 
Unto thee, great God belong, 
Mystic rites and sacred song ! 
Lowly bending at thy shrine, 
We hail thy majesty divine ! 
Glorious Architect above, 
Source of light and source of love, 
Here thy light and love prevail — 
Hail ! Almighty Master, hail! 

Whilst in yonder region's bright, 
The sun by day, the moon by night, 
And stars that gild the sky, 
Blazon forth thy praise on high ; 
Join, Earth, and as you roll, 
From East to West, from pole to pole, 
Lift to Heav'n your grateful lays, 
■Join the universal praise. 



]92 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Warm'd by thy benignant grace, 
Sweet Friendship link'd the human race 
Pity lodged within her breast, 
Charity became her guest ; 
There the naked, raiment found ; 
Sickness, balsam for its wound ; 
Sorrow, comfort ; hunger, bread ; 
Strangers there, a welcome shed. 

Still to us, God, dispense 
Thy divine benevolence ! 
Teach the tender tear to flow, 
Melting at a Brother's woe ! 
Like Samaria's son, that we 
Blest, with boundless Charity, 
To th' admiring world may prove, 
They dwell in God, who dwell in Love. 

FESTIVAL. 

Lo ! what an entertaining sight. 

Are brethren who agree ; 
Brethren, whose cheerful hearts unite, 

In bands of piety. 

'Tis like the oil divinely sweet, 
On Aaron's reverend head ; 

The trickling drops perfumed his feet, 
And o'er his garments spread. 

'Tis pleasant as the morning dews, 

That fall on Zion's hill, 
Where God his mildest glory shows, 

And makes his grace distill. 



HYMN". 

On wings of harmony upborne, 
"Wide flew the exulting sound ; 

Auspicious beamed the festal morn, 
That call'd the tribes around. 

To Salem's favor'd towers and plains, 
The bands fraternal move : 

Her shores repeat the solemn strains, 
That swell to peace and love. 



ODES, HYMN'S, ETC. 193 

Far o'er these plains, the admiring eyes 

See opulence spread wide : 
While toil its best exertions plies, 
To o'erarch the fluent tide. 

On the fair •work now science beams — 

Descending powers approve ; 
"We waft across the honor'd streams, 

The streams of peace and love. 



HYMN. 

" Let there be light," Jehovah said, 
And nature sprang to birth ; 

Darkness before his presence fled, 
And beauty crown'd the earth. 

Man, by his word, from dust he form'd, 

And woman from his side ; 
Their souls with fire ethereal warm'd 

To heaven's dread king allied. 

But soon the gloom of sin o'erspread 

The luster of the mind ; 
No light the lamp of reason shed, 

And man again was blind. 

His walk was darkness, and despair 

Upon his spirit prey'd, 
Weary and worn with aching care, 

Along life's waste he stray'd. 

The Eternal saw — " Let there be light," 
Again in heaven was heard ; 

And lo ! man's weak, bewilder'd sight, 
The Star of BethVem cheer'd. 

The Sun of Righteousness, his beams 

Upon the spirit shed ; 
The sleep of sin, and error's dream' 

Were o'er, when Jesus bled. 

FUNERAL. 

Solemn strikes the funeral chime, 
Notes of our departing time, 
As we journey here below 
Through a pilgrimage of woe. 



17 



194 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Mortals, now indulge a tear, 
For mortality is here ; 
See how wide her trophies wave, 
O'er the slumbers of the grave ! 

Here another guest we bring ! 
Seraphs of celestial wing — 
To our funeral altar come, 
Waft a friend and brother home. 

God of Life's eternal day, 
Guide us, lest from thee we stray 
By a false, delusive light, 
To the shades of endless night. 

Lord of all below — above — 
Fill our souls with truth and love ; 
And when dissolv'd our earthly tie, 
Take us to thy Lodge on high. 

PSALM. 

Through every age, eternal God, 

Thou art our rest, our safe abode ; 

High was thy throne e'er heaven was made, 

Or earth thy humble footstool laid. 

Long hadst thou reign'd e'er time began, 
Or dust was fashioned into man ; 
And long thy kingdom shall endure, 
"When earth and time shall be no more. 

But man, weak man, is born to die, 
Made up of guilt and vanity ; 
Thy dreadful sentence, Lord, was just, 
" Return, ye sinners, to your dust." 

Death, like an overflowing stream, 
Sweeps us away ; our life's a dream ; 
An empty tale ; a morning flower, 
Cut down and wither'd in an hour. 

HYMN. 

Not from the dust affliction grows, 
Nor troubles rise by chance ; 

Yet we are born to cares and woes ; 
A sad inheritance ! 



ODES, HYMNS, ETC. 195 

As sparks break out from burning coals, 

And still are upward borne ; 
So grief is rooted in our souls, 

And man grows up to mourn. 

Yet with my God, I leave my cause, 

And trust his promis'd grace ; 
He rules me by his well known laws 

Of love and righteousness. 

Not all the pains that e'er I bore, 

Shall spoil my future peace ; 
For death and hell can do no more 

Than what my father please. 

HYMN. 

Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee ; 

Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb ; 
The Savior has passed through its portals before thee, 

And the lamp of his love is thy guide through the gloom. 

Thou art gone to the grave — we no longer behold thee, 
Nor tread the rough path of the world by thy side ; 

But the wide arms of mercy are spread to infold thee, 
And sinners may hope, since the sinless has died. 

Thou art gone to the grave, and its mansions forsaking, 
Perhaps thy tried spirit in doubt lingered long ; 

But the sunshine of heaven beam'd bright on thy waking, 
And the song that thou heard'st was the seraphim's song. 

Thou art gone to the grave, but 'twere wrong to deplore thee 
"When God was thy ransom, thy guardian and guide ; 

He gave thee, and took thee, and soon will restore thee, 
When death has no sting since the Savior hath died. 

HYMN, " 

Hark ! from the tomb a doleful sound ! 

Mine ears, attend the cry — 
" Ye living men come view the ground 

"Where you must shortly lie. 

" Princes, this clay must be your bed, 

In spite of all your towers ; 
The tall, the wise, the rev'rend head, 

Must lie as low as ours." 



196 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Great God, is this our certain doom ? 

And are "we still secure ? 
Still talking downward to the tomb, 

And yet prepar'd no more ? 

Grant us the powers of quick'ning grace ; 

To fit our souls to fly ; 
Then, when we drop this dying flesh 

"We'll rise above the sky. 

HYMN. 
Unvatl thy bosom, faithful tomb, 

Take this new treasure to thy trust, 
And give these sacred relics room, 

To slumber in the silent dust. 

Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear, 
Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes 

Can reach the silent sleepers here, 
And Angels watch their soft repose. 

So Jesus slept ; God's dying Son, 

Pass'd through the grave, and bless'd the bed : 
Rest here, dear Saint, 'till from His throne 

The morning break, and pierce the shade. 

Break from his throne, illustrious Morn ! 

Attend, Earth, his sov'reign "Word ! 
Restore thy trust, a glorious form, 

He must ascend to meet his Lord. 

ENTERED APPRENTICES' SONG. 

Just straight from his home, 

See yon candidate come, 
Prepar'd for the time and occasion : 

Of all that can harm, 

"We will him disarm, 
That he no way may hurt a Free Mason. 

His eyes cannot search 

Out the way of his march, 
Nor yet where his steps he must place on : 

"When him we receive, 

He cannot perceive 
How he came to be made a Free Mason. 



ODES, HYM^S, ETC 197 

Then he'll danger defy, 

And on Heaven rely 
For strength to support the occasion ; 

"With the blessing of pray'r 

He banishes fear, 
And undaunted is made a Free Mason. 

When he makes his demand, 

By the master's command, 
To know if he's fit for the station, 

Around he is brought, 

Ere he get what he sought 
From a free and an accepted Mason. 

When girded with care, 

By the help of the square, 
The emblem of truth and of reason, 

In form he is plac'd, 

While to him are rehears'd 
The mysteries of a Free Mason ; 

Then full in his sight 

Doth shine the grand light, 
To illume the works which we trace on ; 

And now, as his due, 

He's cloth'd in full view 
With the badge of an accepted Mason. 

Xow hark ! we enlarge 

On the duties and charge, 
Where his conduct and walk he must place on ; 

Then our rites we'll fulfill, 

And show our good-will 
To a free and an accepted Mason. 

FELLOW CRAFT'S SONG. 
When* earth's foundation first was laid, 

By the Almighty Artist's hand, 
'Twas then our perfect, our perfect laws were made, 
Established by his strict command. 
Chorus. Hail ! mysterious, Hail, glorious Masonry ! 
That makes us ever great and free. 

In vain mankind for shelter sought, 

In vain from place to place did roam, 
Until from Heaven, from Heaven he was taught 

To plan, to build, to fix his home. 



198 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Illustrious hence we date our Art, 
And now in beauteous piles appear, 

"We shall to endless, to endless time impart, 
How worthy and how great we are. 

Nor we less fam'd for every tie, 

By which the human thought is bound ; 

Love, truth, and friendship, and friendship socially, 
Join all our hearts and hands around. 

Our actions still by Virtue blest, 

And to our precepts ever true, 
The world admiring, admiring shall request 

To learn, and our bright paths pursue. 

MASTER'S SONG. 
In harmony the social band 

Are met around the fount of light, 
To spend beneath the Master's hand 

In decent joy the festive night ; 
Let each in truth and honor bright 

Be present at the secret hall, 
And on his heart in silence write 

The sacred Word that binds us all. 

Beneath the blue and starry zone, 

Whose arch high swelling girds the pole, 
The Master on his orient throne 

Unfolds to view the mystic roll ; 
At once the pure fraternal soul 

Bends to the sign with sacred awe, 
And reads upon the letter'd scroll 

In words of light, the unutter'd law. 

Let us our hearts and hands entwine 

And form one perfect wreath of love ; 
Then kneeling at the voice divine 

That spake to mortals from above, 
Put on the meekness of the dove 

And the white robes of charity, 
And in unerring wisdom prove 

Our brethren with the single eye. 

Be there no darkling scowl of hate 
Upon the calm unruffled brow, 

But each in innocence elate 

To Virtue's brightness only bow : 



ODES, HYMNS, ETC. 199 

Blest guardian of all pleasure ! Thou 

Be ever at our Master's side, 
And mark "with radiant finger how 

Thy words can be our only guide. 

By thee conducted, we ascend 

The steps that lead alone to Heaven, 
And •where the mounting arches end 

To each the sign of worth is given ; 
Then mantled by the shades of even 

"We meet beneath the unclouded sky, 
And bind the links no power hath riven, 

In which we swear to live and die. 

Let us these favored hours employ, 

These moments of the social night, 
To sing the silver song of joy, 

And make the chain of union bright ; 
So may we even here unite 

To spend the hours in mercy given, 
Led by the tokens which invite 

Alone to happiness and Heaven. 



MASTER MASON'S SONG. 

BY J. L. STEVENS. 
Air — " Believe me, if all those endearing young charms." 
Believe me, my friends, should I never again, 

O'er a Lodge of Freemasons preside, 
I shall think on the present, though sorrrow and pain, 

And these only — the future divide ; 
I shall muse on the noble delights I have known — 

On the pleasure partaken with you, 
On the secrets, through science, imperfectly shown, 

Until Masonry brought them to view ! 

It is not alone to this transient scene 

That the hopes of our Craft are confined, 
For high in the Heavens an Ark may be seen, 

By the far-reaching eye of the mind ; 
And the Mason whose motto, is " Friendship and Faith/ 

Whose practice is " Pity and Love," 
When spirited hence by the messenger Death, 

Wings his way to that " Grand Lodge above." 



200 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

THE MASON'S ADIEU. 
Adieu, a heart warm, fond adieu, 

Ye brothers of our mystic tie ; 
Ye favor'd and enlighten'd few, 

Companions of my social joy ; 
Though I to foreign lands must hie, 

Pursuing fortune's slipp'ry ba'; 
With melting heart and brimfu' eye, 

I'll mind you still when far awa'. 

Oft have I met your social band, 

To spend a cheerful, festive night, 
Oft, honor'd with supreme command, 

Presiding o'er the sons of light : 
And by that hieroglyphic bright, 

Which none but craftsmen ever saw, 
Strong mem'ry on my heart shall write, 

Those happy scenes, when far awa'. 

May freedom, harmony, and love, 

Cement you in the grand design, 
Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above, 

The glorious Architect divine : 
That you may keep th' unerring line, 

Still guided by the plummet's law, 
'Till order bright completely shine, 

Shall be my pray'r when far awa'. 

And you, farewell, whose merits claim 

Justly that highest badge to wear, 
May Heaven bless your noble name, 

To Masonry and friendship dear : 
My last request, permit me then, 

When yearly you're assembled a', 
One round, I ask it with a tear, 

To him, your friend, that 's far awa'. 

And you, kind-hearted sisters, fair, 

I sing farewell to all your charms, 
Th' impression of your pleasing air 

With rapture oft my bosom warms. 
Alas ! the social winter's night 

No more returns while breath I draw, 
Till sisters, brothers, all unite, 

In that Grand Lodge that/s far awa'. 



ODES, HYMN'S, ETC. 201 

MASONIC ODE. 
Empires and kings have pass'd away, 

Into oblivion's mine ; 
And tow'ring domes have felt decay, 
Since anld lang syne. 

But Masonry, the glorious art, 
With wisdom's ray divine ; 
'Twas ever so, the Hebrew cries, 
In auld lang syne. 

Behold the occidental chair 

Proclaims the day's decline — 
Hiram of Tyre was seated there, 
In auld lang syne. 

The South proclaims refreshment nigh, 

High twelve 's the time to dine ; 
And beauty deck'd the southern sky, 
In auld lang syne. 

Yes, Masonry, whose temple here 

"Was built by hands divine, 
Shall ever shine as bright and clear, 
As auld lang syne. 

Then, brethren, for the worthy three, 

Let us a wreath entwine, 
The three great heads of Masonry 
In auld lang syne. 

Remembering oft that worthy one, 

With gratitude divine, 
The Tyrian youth — the widow's son, 
Of auld lang syne. 



PART III 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS OF FREEMASONRY. 

On 24th June, 1721, Grand Master Payne presiding, 
the General Regulations compiled by Mr. Payne in 1721, 
and compared with the ancient records and immemorial 
usages of the Fraternity, were read and met with general 
approbation; and Dr. Desaguliers and James Anderson, 
A. M., men of genius and education, were commanded 
to revise, arrange, and digest the Gothic constitutions, 
old charges, and general regulations. This task, they 
faithfully executed ; and at the ensuing Grand Lodge, 
held at the Queens' Arms, St. Paul's Church Yard, on 
27th December, 1721, being the Festival of St. John 
the Evangelist, they presented the same for approbation. 
A committee of fourteen learned Brethren was then ap- 
pointed to examine the manuscript, and to make their 
report. 

At a Grand Lodge, held at the Fountain Tavern in 
the Strand, in ample form, on 25th March, 1722, the 
committee reported that they had perused the manu- 
script containing the History, Charges, Regulations, etc., 
of Masonry, and after some amendments had approved 
thereof. The Grand Lodge ordered the whole to be 
prepared for the press, and printed with all possible ex- 
pedition. This order was strictly obeyed, and in a little 
more than two years the Book of Constitutions appeared 

in print, under the following title: "The Book of Con- 
202 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 2 03 

stitutions of the Freemasons, containing the History, 
Charges. Eegulations, etc., of that Most Ancient and 
Eight Worshipful Fraternity. For the use of Lodges. 
London, 1723." 

"1734. The most remarkable proceedings of the So 
ciety about this time, related to a new edition of the 
Book of Constitutions, which Brother James Anderson 
was ordered to prepare for the press; and which made 
its appearance in January, 1738, considerably enlarged 
and improved." 

"In 1764, a new edition of the Book of Constitutions 
was ordered to be printed under the inspection of a com- 
mittee, with a continuation of the proceedings of the So- 
ciety since the publication of the last edition." 



" The General Regulations of the Free and Accepted 
Masons, compiled by James Anderson : approved, and 
ordered to be published, by the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land, 2bth March, 1722: together with Amendments, 
as approved by said Grand Lodge, June 27th, 1754. 

"Art. 1. The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed 
by, the Masters and Wardens of all the particular Lodges 
upon record, with the Grand Master at their head, the 
Deputy on his left hand, and the Grand Wardens in 
their proper places. — (Old Regulations.) 

"All who have been, or shall be, Grand Masters, shall 
be members of, and vote in, all Grand Lodges. — (N. R., 
Nov. 21st, 1714.) 

"All who have been, or shall be, Deputy Grand Mas- 
ters, shall be members of, and vote in, all Grand Lodges. 
— (IV. R., Feb. 28th, 1725.) i 

"All who have been, or shall be, Grand Wardens, shall 



204 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

be members of, and vote in, all Grand Lodges (N. R., 

May 10th, 1727.) 

" The Grand Treasurer, for the time being, shall be a 
member of the Grand Lodge. — (See Grand Treasurer, 
Art. 2.) 

"In like manner, the Grand Secretary shall be a mem- 
ber of the Grand Lodge, by virtue of his office, and 
shall vote in everything except in choosing Grand Offi- 
cers. — (Old Regulations.) 

"Art. 2. A Brother Master Mason should be appointed 
the Tyler, to look after the door; but he must be no 
member of the Grand Lodge* 

"Art. 3. No Brother shall be admitted into the Grand 
Lodge but those that are the known members thereof, 
viz : the four present and all former Grand Officers, the 
Treasurer, and Secretary; the Masters and Wardens of 
all regular Lodges; the Masters and Wardens, and nine 
more of the Stewards' Lodge ; except a Brother who is 
a petitioner or a witness in some case, or one called in 
by a motion. — (N. R., See Stewards, Art. 6-9, and Pro- 
vincial Grand Masters.) 

"Art. 4. These must have three quarterly communica- 
tions before the Grand Feast, in some convenient place, 
as the Grand Master shall appoint ; where none are to 
be present but its own proper members, without leave 
asked and given; and while such a stranger (though a 
Brother) stays, he is not allowed to vote, or even speak 
to any question, without leave of the Grand Lodge : or 
unless he is desired to give his opinion (Old Regula- 
tions.) 

"Art. 5. If at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, 
quarterly or annual, the Grand Master and Deputy should 
both be absent, then the present Master of a Lodge that 
has been longest a Freemason, shall take the chair, and 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 205 

preside as Grand Master pro tempore, and shall be vested 
with all his honor and power for the time being : pro- 
vided there is no Brother present who has been Grand 
Master, or Deputy Grand Master, formerly; for the las* 
former Grand Master or Deputy, in company, takes 
place, of right, in the absence of the present Grand Mas- 
ter or Deputy. — (Old Regulations.) 

" In the first edition, the right of the Grand Wardens 
was omitted in this regulation ; and it has been since 
found that the old Lodges never put into the chair the 
Master of a particular Lodge, but when there was no 
Grand Warden in company, present, or former : and tha* 
in such a case the Grand Officer always took place of 
any Master of a Lodge that had not been a Grand Offi- 
cer. Therefore, in case of the absence of all Grand 
Masters and Deputies, the present Senior Grand Warden 
fills the chair; and in his absence, the present Junior 
Warden; and in his absence, the oldest former Grand 
Warden in company; and if no former Grand Officer be 
found, then the oldest Freemason who is now the Master 
of a Lodge (See Grand Warden, Art. 1.) 

" But to avoid disputes, the Grand Master usually gives 
a particular commission, under his hand and seal of of- 
fice, countersigned by the Secretary, to the Senior Grand 
Warden, or, in his absence to the Junior, to act as De- 
puty Grand Master, when the Deputy is not in town. — 
(N. R., Art. 4.) 

" Old Grand Officers are now, some of them, officers of 
particular Lodges ; but are not thereby deprived of their 
privilege in the Grand Lodge, to sit and vote there as old 
Grand Officers; only he deputes one of his particular 
Lodge to act, pro tempore, as the officer of that Lodge, 
at the quarterly communication (See Art. 1. See also 



206 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Grand Master, Art. 6, and Deputy Grand Master, 
Art. 2.) 

"Art. 6. On March 17, 1731, the Grand Lodge, to 
cure some irregularities, ordered that none but the Grand 
Master, his Deputy and Wardens (who are the only 
Grand Officers), shall wear their jewels in gold, pendant 
about their necks, and white leather aprons with blue 
silk; which sort of aprons may be also worn by former 
Grand Officers. — (See Stewards, Arts. 3, 7, 8, 9.) 

"Art. 7. On February 24, 1735, upon a motion made 
by the former Grand Officers, it was resolved, that the 
Grand Officers, present and former, each of them, who 
shall attend the Grand Lodge, in Communication (ex- 
cept on the Feast Day), shall pay half a crown toward 
the charge of such communication, when he attends. 

"Art. 8. Of June 26, 1728. Masters and Wardens 
of Lodges shall never attend the Grand Lodge without 
their jewels and clothing. 

"On November 26, 1728, one of the three officers 
of a Lodge was admitted into the Grand Lodge without 
his jewels, because the jewels were in the custody of the 
Officer absent. 

"If any Officer cannot attend, he may send a Brother 
of that Lodge (but not a mere Entered Apprentice), with 
his jewel, to supply his room, and support the honor of 
his Lodge.— (N. R., Art. 12.) 

"Art. 9. At the Grand Lodge, in Quarterly Commu- 
nication, all matters that concern the- Fraternity in gene- 
ral, or particular Lodges, or single Brothers, are sedately 
and maturely to be discoursed of. — (Old Regulations.) 

"On December 13, 1733. What business cannot be 
transacted at one Lodge, may be referred to the committee 
of charity, and by them reported to the next Grand 
Lodge— (N. R t , Art. 13.) 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 207 

"Art. 10. Apprentices must be admitted Fellowcrafts 
and Masters only here, unless by a dispensation from the 
Grand Master. — (Old Regulation.) 

"This being attended with many inconveniences, it was 
ordained, on November 22, 1725: — The Master of a 
Lodge, with his Wardens, and a competent number of 
the Lodge, assembled in due form, can make Masters 
and Fellows at discretion (N. R., Art. 13.) 

"Art. 11. All differences that cannot be made up, or 
accommodated privately, or by a particular Lodge, are 
to be seriously considered and decided in the Grand 
Lodge ; and if any Brother thinks himself aggrieved by 
the decision, he may appeal to the Annual Grand Lodge 
next ensuing, and leave his appeal in writing with the 
Grand Master, the Deputy, or Grand Wardens. — (See 
Grand Feast, Art. 5.) 

"Hither, also, all the Officers of particular Lodges shall 
bring a list of such Members as have been made, or even 
admitted by them since the last Grand Lodge. — (Old 
Regulation.) 

"Art. 12. They shall also appoint a Treasurer, a Bro- 
ther of good worldly substance, who shall be a member 
of the Grand Lodge by virtue of his office, and shall al- 
ways be present, and have a power to move to the Grand 
Lodge anything that concerns his office. — (N. R., 
Art. 13.) 

"Art. 13. The Grand Master, or Deputy, has authori- 
ty, always, to command the Treasurer and Secretary to 
attend him, with their clerks and books, in order to see 
how matters go on; and to know what is expedient to be 
done upon any emergency. — (0. R. See Grand Trea- 
surer, Art. 3.) 

"Art. 14. Every Annual Grand Lodge has an inhe- 
rent power and authority to make new Regulations, to 



208 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

alter these for the real benefit of this ancient Fraternity; 
provided always that the old landmarks be carefully pre- 
served, and that such new Regulations and Alterations be 
proposed and agreed to, at the third Quarterly Commu- 
nication preceding the Annual Grand Feast; and that 
they be offered to the perusal of all the Brethren before 
dinner, in writing, even of the youngest Entered Appren- 
tice ; the approbation and consent of the majority of all 
the Brethren present, being absolutely necessary to make 
the same binding and obligatory; which must, therefore, 
after dinner, and after the new Grand Master is in- 
stalled, be solemnly desired; — as it was desired and ob- 
tained for the old Regulations, when proposed by the 
Grand Lodge to about one hundred and fifty Brethren at 
Stationers' Hall, on St. John, the Baptist's Day. — (0. 
2?., Art. 39.) 

"On June 24, 1723, at the Feast, the Grand Lodge, 
before dinner, made this resolution : That it is not in the 
power of any man, or body of men, to make any altera- 
tion or innovation in the body of Masonry, without the 
consent first obtained of the Grand Lodge. And on 
November 25, 1723, the Grand Lodge, in ample form, re- 
solved, That any Grand Lodge, duly met, has a power 
to amend or explain any of the printed Regulations in 
the Book of Constitutions, while they break not in upon 
the ancient rules of the Fraternity. ' But no alterations 
shall be made in this printed Book of Constitutions, 
without leave of the Grand Lodge.' — (N. i?., Art. 39.) 

"Accordingly, all the alterations or new regulations, in 
this edition, are only for amending or explaining the old 
regulations, for the good of Masonry, without breaking 
in upon the ancient rules of the Fraternity, still preserv- 
ing the old landmarks ; and were made at several times, 
as occasion offered, by the Grand Lodge, who have an 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 209 

inherent power of amending what may be thought incon- 
venient, and ample authority for making new regulations 
for the good of Masonry, without the consent of all the 
Brethren at the Grand Annual Feast, which has not been 
disputed since the said 24th of June, 1721. For the 
members of the Grand Lodge are truly the representa- 
tives of all the Fraternity, according to the Old Eegula- 
tion 10. 

"No motion for a new regulation, or for the alteration 
of an old one, shall be made until it is first handed up in 
writing to the chair : and after it has been perused by the 
Grand Master, at least about ten minutes, the thing may 
be moved publicly ; and it shall be audibly read by the 
Secretary : and if he be seconded and thirded, it must be 
immediately committed to the consideration of the whole 
assembly, that their sense may be fully heard about it; 
after which the Grand Master shall put the question pro 
or con.—(N. i?., Art. 39.) 

"Art. 15. All matters in the Grand Lodge are to be 
determined by a majority of votes ; each member having 
one vote, and the Grand Master two votes; unless the 
Lodge leave any particular thing to the determination of 
the Grand Master for the sake of expedition. — (0. R. 9 
Art. 12.) 

"The opinions or the votes of members are always to 
be signified by each holding up one of his hands ; which 
uplifted hands the Grand Wardens are to count, unless 
the numbers of hands should be so unequal as to render 
the counting useless. Nor should any other kind of di- 
vision ever be admitted among Masons (N. R. 9 

Art. 39.) 

"Art. 16. At the third stroke of the Grand Master's 
hammer (always to be repeated by the Senior Grand 
Warden), there shall be a general silence, whenever the 



210 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Grand Master or Deputy shall think fit to rise from the 
Chair and call to order. 

"In the Grand Lodge, every member shall keep his 
seat, and not move about from place to place, during the 
communication; except the Grand Wardens, as having 
more immediately the care of the Lodge. 

"According to the order of the Grand Lodge, on 
April 21, 1730 (as in the Lodge Book), no Brother is to 
speak but once to the same affair, unless to explain him- 
self, or when called by the chair to speak. 

" Every one that speaks shall rise and keep- standing, 
addressing himself to the chair: nor shall any presume 
to interrupt him, under the aforesaid penalty ; unless the 
Grand Master, finding him wandering from the point in 
hand, shall see fit to reduce him to order; for then the 
said speaker shall sit down; but after he has been set 
right he may again proceed, if he pleases. 

" If, in the Grand Lodge, any member is twice called 
to order at one assembly, for transgressing these rules, and 
is guilty of a third offense of the same nature, the chair 
shall peremptorily command him to quit the Lodge Eoom 
for that night. 

"Whoever shall be so rude as to hiss at a Brother, or 
at what another says, or has said, he shall be forthwith 
solemnly excluded the communication, and declared in- 
capable of ever being a member of any Grand Lodge for 
the future, until at another time he publicly owns his 
fault, and his grace be granted. — (N. R., Art. 40.) 

"Art. 17. There shall be a book kept by the Grand 
Master or his Deputy, or rather by some Brother ap- 
pointed Secretary of the Grand Lodge, wherein shall be 
recorded all the Lodges, with the usual times and places 
of the forming and the names of all the members of each 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 211 

Lodge ; also all the affairs of the Grand Lodge, that are 
proper to be written. — (0. R., Art. 13.) 

"Art. 18. Carnarvan, Grand Master, Dec. 4, 1755. 
It was unanimously agreed, that no Brother, for the fu- 
ture shall smoke tobacco in the Grand Lodge, at the 
Quarterly Communication, or Committee of Charity, un- 
til the Lodge shall be closed. 

OF THE GRAND MASTER. 

"Art. 1. The present Grand Master shall nominate 
his successor for the year ensuing, who, if unanimously 
approved by the Grand Lodge, and there present, shall 
be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated the new Grand 
Master, and immediately installed by the last Grand 
Master, according to usage. — (0. B., Art. 33. See 
Grand Feast, Art. 7, 10.) 

"But if that nomination is not unanimously approved, 
the new Grand Master shall be chosen immediately by 
ballot; every Master and Warden writing his man's 
name and the last Grand Master writing his man's name 
too; and the man whose name the last Grand Master 
shall first take out casually or by chance, shall be Grand 
Master of Masons for the year ensuing; and, if present, 
he shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated, as 
above hinted, and forthwith installed by the last Grand 
Master, according to usage. — (0. i?., Art. 34.) 

"Art. 2. The last Grand Master thus continued, or 
the new Grand Master thus installed, shall next nomi 
nate and appoint his Deputy Grand Master, either the 
last or a new one, who shall be also proclaimed, saluted, 
and congratulated in due form. — (See Grand Feast, 
Art. 10. 

" The new Grand Master shall also nominate his new 
Grand Wardens ; and if unanimously approved by the 



212 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Grand Lodge, they shall be forthwith proclaimed, sa- 
luted, and congratulated in due form. 

"But if not, they shall be chosen by ballot, in the 
same way as the Grand Master was chosen, and as War- 
dens of private Lodges are chosen when the members do 
not approve of their Master's nomination. — (0. i?., 
Art. 35.) 

"By the 36th new regulation, a Deputy is said to have 
been always needful when the Grand Master was nobly 
born: and that in our time, the Grand Master elect has 
not publicly signified beforehand the names of his in- 
tended Deputy and Wardens, nor until he is first installed 
in Solomon's chair. 

" For then first he calls them forth by name, and ap- 
points them to officiate instantly, as soon as they are in- 
stalled. 

"But if the Brother whom the present Grand Master 
shall nominate for his successor, or whom the Grand 
Lodge shall choose by ballot, as above, is by sickness, 
or other necessary occasion, absent, he cannot be pro- 
claimed Grand Master, unless the old Grand Master, or 
some of the Masters and Wardens of Lodges, can vouch 
upon the honor of a Brother, that the said person, so 
nominated or chosen, will readily accept of the office. 
In which case, the old Grand Master shall act as proxy, 
and in his name shall nominate the Deputy and War- 
dens; and in his name shall receive the usual honors, 
homage, and congratulations. — (0. i?., Art. 36.) 

"The proxy must be either the last or a former Grand 
Master ; as the Duke of Richmond was for Lord Paisly, 
page 200 ; or else a very reputable Brother; as Lord 
Southwell was for the Earl of Strathmore, page 215. 

"But the new Deputy and Grand Wardens are not al- 
lowed proxies when appointed. — (N. R., Art. 36.) 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 213 

"Art. 3. Then the Grand Master shall allow any 
Brother, Fellowcraft, or Entered Apprentice, to speak, 
directing his discourse to his worship in the chair; or 
to make any motion for the good of the Fraternity, 
which shall be either immediately considered, or else re- 
ferred to the consideration of the Grand Lodge at their 
next communication, stated or occasional. 

"Art. 4. If the Grand Master die during his Master- 
ship, or by sickness, or by being beyond sea, or in any 
other way should be rendered incapable of discharging 
his office, the Deputy, or in his absence the Senior Grand 
Warden, or in his absence the Junior Grand Warden, or 
in his absence any three present Masters of Lodges, 
shall assemble the Grand Lodge, immediately, in order 
to advise together upon that emergency, and to send two 
of their number to invite the last Grand Master to re- 
sume his office, which now of course reverts to him: 
and if he refuses to act, then the next last, and so back- 
ward. But if no former Grand Master be found, the 
present Deputy shall act as principal until a new Grand 
Master is chosen; or if there be no Deputy, then the 
oldest Mason, the present Master of a Lodge. — (0. i?., 
Art. 21.) 

" Upon such a vacancy, if no former Grand Master, 
nor former Deputy be found, the present Senior Grand 
Warden fills the chair, or in his absence the Junior, un- 
til a new Grand Master is chosen: and if no present nor 
former Grand Wardens be found, then the oldest Free- 
mason, who is now Master of a Lodge (N. R., 

Art. 21.) 

"Art. 5. No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, 
Grand Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, or whoever acts 
for them or in their stead, pro tempore, can, at the same 
time, act as the Master or Warden of a particular Lodge; 



214 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

but as soon as any of them has discharged his public office, 
he returns to that post or station in his particular Lodge, 
from which he was called to officiate. — (0. E., Art. 17.) 

"Art. 6. The Grand Master, with his Deputy, Grand 
Wardens, and Secretary, shall, at least once, go round 
and visit all the Lodges about town, during his Master-i 
ship.— (0. i?., Art. 20.) 

"Or else he shall send his Grand Officers to visit the 
Lodges. This old and laudable practice often renders a 
Deputy necessary: and when he visits them, the Senior 
Grand Warden acts as Deputy, the Junior as the Senior, 
as above : or if both or any of them be absent, the De- 
puty, or he that presides for him, may appoint whom he 
pleases in their stead pro tempore. 

"For, when the Grand Masters are absent, the Senior 
or the Junior Grand Warden may preside as Deputy in 
visiting the Lodges, or in the constitution of a new 
Lodge ; neither of which can be done without, at least, 
one of the present Grand Officers (N. i?., Art. 20.) 

"The Grand Master or Deputy has full authority and 
right, not only to be present, but also to preside in every 
Lodge, with the Master of the Lodge on his left hand; 
and to order his Grand Wardens to attend him, who are 
not to act as Wardens of particular Lodges, but in his 
presence, and at his command: for the Grand Master, 
while in a particular Lodge, may command the Wardens 
of that Lodge, or any other Master Masons, to act there 
as his Wardens pro tempore. — (0. R., Art. 1.) 

"That is, only when the Grand Wardens are absent: 
for the Grand Master cannot deprive them of their office, 
without showing cause, fairly appearing to the Grand 
Lodge. So that if they are present, in a particular 
Lodge with the Grand Master, they must act as War- 
dens there.— (IV. i?., Art. 1.) 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 215 

"Art. 7. The Grand Master should not receive any 
private intimations of business concerning Masons and 
Masonry, but from his Deputy first ; except in such cases 
as his Worship can easily judge of: and if the applica- 
tion to the Grand Master be irregular, his Worship can 
order the Grand Wardens, or any other so applying, to 
wait upon the Deputy, who is immediately to prepare 
the business, and to lay it orderly before his Worship. — 
(0. R., Art. 16.) 

"of the deputy grand master. 

"Art. 1. He that is chosen Deputy at the Annual 
Feast, and also the Grand Wardens, cannot be dis- 
charged, unless the cause fairly appear to the Grand 
Lodge: for the Grand Master, if he is uneasy, may call 
a Grand Lodge on purpose, to lay the cause before them, 
for their advice and concurrence. 

"And if the members of the Grand Lodge cannot re- 
concile the Grand Master with his Deputy or Wardens, 
they are to allow the Grand Master to discharge his De- 
puty or Wardens, and to choose another Deputy imme- 
diately ; and the same Grand Lodge, in that case, shall 
forthwith choose other Grand Wardens, so that harmony 
and peace may be preserved. — (0. i?., Art. 18.) 

" Should this case ever happen, the Grand Master ap- 
points his Grand Officers, as at (irst. — (N. i?., Art. 18.) 

"Art. 2. If the Deputy be sick, or necessarily absent, 
the Grand Master can choose any Brother he pleases, to 
act as Deputy pro tempore. — (0. R., Art. 18.) 

"The Senior Grand Warden now ever supplies the 
Deputy's place ; the Junior acts as the Senior, the oldest 
former Grand Warden as the Junior, also the oldest Ma- 
son as above. — (N. R., Art. 18.) 



216 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"of the grand wardens. 

"Art. 1. In the Grand Lodge none can act as War- 
dens, but the present Grand Wardens, if in company; 
and, if absent, the Grand Master shall order private War- 
dens to act as Grand Wardens pro tempore; whose 
places are to be supplied by two Fellowcrafts, or Master 
Masons of the same Lodge, called forth to act, or sent 
thither by the Master thereof; or, if by him omitted, the 
Grand Master, or he that presides shall call them forth 
to act; that so the Grand Lodge may be always com- 
plete.— (0. R., Art. 15.) 

" Soon after the first edition of the Book of Constitu- 
tions, the Grand Lodge, finding that it was always the 
ancient usage, that the oldest former Grand Wardens, 
supplied the places of those of the year, when absent: 
the Grand Master ever since has ordered them to take 
the place immediately and act as Grand Wardens pro 
tempore; which they have always done in the absence 
of the Grand Wardens for the year; except when they 
waived their privilege for that time, to honor some Bro- 
ther whom they thought more fit for the present service. 

" But if no former Grand Wardens are in company, 
the Grand Master, or he that presides, calls forth whom 
he pleases to act as Grand Wardens pro tempore.-— (N. 
R., Art. 15.) 

"Art. 2. The Grand Wardens, or any others, are first 
to advise with the Deputy about the affairs of the Lodges 
or of private single Brothers ; and are not to apply to the 
Grand Master without the knowledge of the Deputy, 
unless he refuse his concurrence (0. i?., Art. 16.) 

" This was intended for the ease of the Grand Master, 
and for the honor of the Deputy. 

" In which case, or in case of any difference of senti- 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 217 

ment, between the Deputy and Grand Wardens, or other 
Brothers, both parties are to go to the Grand Master by 
consent ; who, by virtue of his great authority and power, 
can easily decide the controversy, and make up the dif- 
ference — (lY. R., Art. 16.) 

"Art. 3. The Grand Wardens shall have the care of 
preparing tickets, sealed with the Grand Master's seal 
of office, of disposing of the tickets, of buying the mate- 
rials of the feast, of finding out a proper and convenient 
place to feast in, and of every other thing that concerns 
the entertainment. — (0. R. y Art. 23.) 

"Assisted by a certain number of Stewards at every 
feast or by some general Undertaker of the whole. — (N. 
R., Art. 23.) 

" The Grand Wardens and Stewards shall in due time 
wait upon the Grand Master or Deputy, for directions 
and orders about the premises; but if both their Wor- 
ships are sick, or necessarily absent, they may call to- 
gether the Masters and Wardens of Lodges, on purpose 
for their advice and orders; or else they may take the 
whole affair upon themselves, and do the best they can. 
— (0. R., Art. 24.) 

" This having been found too fatiguing and expensive 
to the Grand Officers, the Grand Lodge has left the care 
and conduct of the Grand Feast to the Stewards, who 
now, by the request of the Grand Lodge, take the whole 
affair upon themselves, and do the best they can. 

" Nor are their accounts now audited by the Grand 

Lodge, because they are generally out of pocket (N. 

R., Art. 24.) 

"Whatever might be the case when it was ordained, 
that the Grand Wardens and Stewards are to account for 
all the money they receive or expend, after dinner, to the 
19 



218 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Grand Lodge, or when the Lodge shall think fit to audit 
their accounts. — (0. i?., Art. 24.) 

"The Grand Wardens or the Stewards shall, before- 
hand, appoint such a number of Brethren to serve at the 
table as they think fit; and they may advise with the of- 
ficers of Lodges about the most proper persons, if they 
please, or may retain such by their recommendations: 
for none are to serve that day but Free and Accepted 
Masons, that the communication may be free and harmo- 
nious.— (0. R., Art. 27.) 

" Now, only the Stewards appoint the attenders at ta- 
ble, who are the more necessary if the cooks and but- 
lers are not Brothers. — (IV. R., Art. 21.) 

"of the grand treasurer. 

"Art. 1. The Grand Treasurer is chosen by the 
Grand Lodge. 

"Art. 2. To him shall be committed all money raised 
for the general charity, or for any other use of the 
Grand Lodge; w r hich he shall write down in a book 
with the respective ends and uses for which the several 
sums are intended; and shall expend or disburse the same 
by a certain order signed as the Grand Lodge shall here- 
after agree to in a new Regulation. 

"Art. 3. But by virtue of his office as Treasurer, with- 
out any other qualification, he shall not vote in choosing a 
new Grand Master, and Wardens, though in every other 
transaction. — (N. R.) 

"Art. 4. The Treasurer and Secretary may have each 
a clerk or assistant, if they think fit, who must be a Bro- 
ther and a Master Mason; but must never be a member 
of the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being allowed 
or commanded (N. R.) 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 219 

"of the grand secretary. 

"The Grand Secretary is nominated yearly by the 

Grand master, and is a member of the Grand Lodge by 

his office. 

"of provincial grand masters. 

"Art. 1. The office of Provincial Grand Master was 
found particularly necessary in the year 1726, when 
the extraordinary increase of the Craftsmen, and their 
traveling into distant parts, and convening themselves in 
Lodges, required an immediate head, to whom they 
might apply in all cases where it was not possible to wait 
the decision or opinion of the Grand Lodge. 

"Art. 2. The appointment of this Grand Officer is a 
prerogative of the Grand Master, who grants his deputa- 
tion to such Brother of eminence and ability in the 
Craft, as he shall think proper; not for life, but during 
his good pleasure. 

"Art. 3. The Provincial thus deputed is invested 
with the power and honor of a Deputy Grand Master; 
and during the continuance of his Provincialship, is en- 
titled to wear the clothing, to take rank as the Grand 
Officers in all public assemblies, immediately after the 
Past Deputy Grand Masters, and to constitute Lodges 
within his own province. 

"Art. 4. He is enjoined to correspond with the Grand 
Lodge, and -to transmit a circumstantial account of his 
proceedings, at least once in every year. At which 
times, the Provincial is required to send a list of those 
Lodges he has constituted, their contributions for the 
general Fund of Charity ; and the usual demand, as spe- 
cified in his deputation, for every Lodge he has consti- 
tuted by the Grand Master's authority. 



220 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"of the committee of charity. 

"By the original order and constitution of nature, men 
are so made and framed, that they of necessity want one 
another's assistance for their mutual support and preser- 
vation in the world ; being fitted by an implanted dispo- 
sition to live in societies and establish themselves into 
distinct bodies, for the more effectual promulging and 
propagating a communication of arts, labor, and indus- 
try, of which charity and mutual friendship is the com- 
mon bond. It is in this respect only, that all the human 
race stand upon a level, having all the same wants and 
desires and are all in the same need of each other's as- 
sistance; as by this common cement, every one is bound 
to look upon himself as a member of this universal com- 
munity, and especially the rich and great ; for the truly 
noble disposition never shines so bright as when engaged 
in the noble purposes of social love, charity, and benev- 
olence. Influenced by these great and good principles, 
of the most prudent and effectual method of collecting 
and disposing of what money should be lodged with 
them in charity toward the relief only of a true Brother, 
fallen into poverty and decay; but of none else. 

"When it was resolved that each particular Lodge 
might dispose of their own charity for poor Brothers, ac- 
cording to their own by-laws; until it should be required 
of all the Lodges (in a new regulation) to carry in the 
charity, collected by them, to the Grand Lodge at the 
Quarterly or Annual Communication; in order to make 
a common stock for the more handsome relief of poor 
Brethren.— (0. i?., Art. 13.) 

"Art. 2. In consequence of which regulation, at the 
Grand Lodge on November 21, 1724, Charles Lennos, 
Duke of Richmond, Lenox, and Aubigny, being Grand 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 221 

Master, Brother Francis Scott, Earl of Dalkirth (after- 
ward Duke of Buckleugh), the last Grand Master, pro- 
posed, that, in order to promote the charitable disposi- 
tion of Freemasons, and to render it more extensively 
beneficial to the Society, each Lodge may make a cer- 
tain collection, according to ability, to be put into a joint 
stock, lodged in the hands of a Treasurer, at every 
Quarterly Communication, for the relief of distressed 
Brethren that shall be recommended by the Contributing 
Lodges to the Grand Officers, from time to time. 

The motion being readily agreed to, Richmond, Grand 
Master, desired all present to come prepared to give their 
opinion of it, at next Grand Lodge; which was held in 
ample form on March 17th, 1724, when 

''Art. 3. At the Lodge's desire, Grand Master Rich- 
mond named a committee for considering of the best 
methods to regulate the said Masons' general charity; 
they met and chose for chairman, William Cowper, Esq., 
clerk of the Parliament, who drew up the report. But the 
affair requiring great deliberation, the report was not 
made until the Grand Lodge met in ample form on Nov. 
27, 1725, when Richmond, Grand Master, ordered the 
report to be read. It was well-approved and recorded in 
the Book of the Grand Lodge; for which that commit- 
tee received public thanks; in this form: The Commit- 
tee to whom it was referred to consider of proper methods 
to regulate the general charity, after several meetings for 
that purpose, came to the following resolutions, as con- 
ducive to the end proposed by the reference: 

"1st, That it is the opinion of the Committee, that 
the contributions from the several Lodges be paid quar- 
terly and voluntarily. 

u 2d. That no Brother be recommended by any Lodge 
as an object of charity, but who was a member of some 



222 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

regular Lodge, which shall contribute to the same chari- 
ty on or before the 21st day of November, 1724, when 
the general charity was first proposed in the Grand Lodge. 
" 3d. That no Brother who has been admitted a member 
of any such Lodge since that time, or shall hereafter be 
so admitted, be recommended until three years after such 
admission; and as to the methods or rules to be observed 
by the Grand Lodge, in relieving such Brethren, who 
shall be qualified as aforesaid, whom they shall think fit, 
upon application to themselves, to relieve, viz : Those 
concerning the circumstances of the persons to be re- 
lieved, the sums to be paid, the times or terms of pay- 
ment, the continuance, suspending or taking off such al- 
lowances, with the reasons thereof, whether arising from 
the circumstances of the assisted Brother being bettered, 
or from his behavior, in any respect rendering him unfit 
to have it continued; and in general all other circum- 
stances attending the regular and ordinary distribution 
of the charity, where the Grand Lodge think fit to put any 
one upon it, the Committee are of opinion they are most 
decently and securely left to the wisdom, care, and dis- 
cretion of the Grand Lodge, to do therein from time to 
time, as cases shall happen, in a manner most agreeable 
to the exigencies of them ; which, as the committee can- 
not foresee with any certainty, so they are unable to lay 
down any fixed proposals concerning them ; but as it may 
fall out that a Brother, who is in all respects qualified 
for relief, and in need of it, may by the pressure of his 
circumstances, be forced to apply, perhaps, a good while 
before a Quarterly Communication may be had, or the 
Grand Lodge assembled, for a present relief or subsis- 
tence, until he can make his case known to the Grand 
Lodge, for their further favor. The Committee took 
that case into their particular consideration; and as to 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 223 

that, are humbly of opinion that three pounds, and no 
more, may be given to any particular distressed Brother, 
who shall be recommended by any Lodge as an object 
of this charity, without the consent of the Grand 
Lodge. 

"4th. That the above said casual charity, of three 
pounds or under, be disposed of as there shall be occa- 
sion, by a standing committee of five, to consist of the 
Grand Master, Deputy, and Senior Grand Warden for 
the time being, and two other Members of the Grand 
Lodge, to be named by the Grand Master, of which 
committee three always to be a quorum. And it being 
absolutely necessary that, for collecting and disbursing 
the sums which shall be for so charitable a purpose, there 
should be a Receiver or Treasurer publicly intrusted and 
known, the Committee were further of opinion, 

"5th. That there be a Treasurer, to be nominated by 
the Grand Master, and approved by the Grand Lodge — 
And 

" 6th. That after the first nomination, all further Trea- 
surers be nominated upon every election of a Grand Mas- 
ter, and approved as before. 

" 1th. That all recommendations of any Brother, as an 
object of casual charity of three pounds or under, be 
made to the said Treasurer, who is to give notice of the 
application forthwith, to the committee of five, for their 
directions in the matter. 

"The Committee then proceeded to consider of a pro- 
posal made to them, viz: That the Treasurer should, 
from time to time, give some collateral security for the 
due performance of his trust, which they found or judged 
to be a matter of some nicety in many respects, as well 
in regard that it is probable none will ever be named to 
that employment of trouble and no profit, but some Bro- 



224 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ther of distinction and sufficiency, and who therefore 
rather does than receives a favor in it ; as that for the 
same reason such Brother would not care to ask any 
others, especially not of the Craft, to be collateral secu- 
rity for him; nor would any other, in all likelihood, in 
a voluntary undertaking of this nature, which induced 
the Committee to think, that the requiring any such kind 
of security would render it at least very difficult, if not 
impracticable, to get any Treasurer at all, more especial- 
ly such an one in respect of rank and estimation, as the 
Committee believe every Brother would be glad always 
to see in that trust: and whose acting in it would really 
prove highly for the credit and service of the design it- 
self: for which, and many other reasons of the same ten- 
dency, the Committee concluded against requiring of the 
Treasurer any such collateral security, or that he should 
find any other persons to be bound with, or for him ; yet 
how unnecessary they think it may, and hope it always 
will be, to require even any security whatever from one, 
whose rank, fortune, probity, and honor, might be alone 
sufficient in the case, and acting especially in a matter 
of public charity to Masons, himself a Mason, and un- 
der the high and solemn tie and obligation of that great 
character: — the Committee notwithstanding conceived, 
that no Brother, who may be nominated for that purpose, 
would probably decline giving the Grand Lodge the sa- 
tisfaction, if they require it, of his own single personal 
security; and therefore submit it as their humble opinion, 
"That the Treasurer do give his personal security, by 
his own bond, to the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter, and Senior Grand Warden, and the two Brothers of 
the aforesaid Committee of five, not officers, in the penal- 
ty and with condition to be approved by the Grand 
Lodge hereafter, if they think fit to require it. 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 225 

"And as concerning the Treasurer's accounts, the Com- 
mittee were further of opinion, 

"That the Treasurer do produce his accounts of his 
receipts and disbursements (either by order of the Grand 
Lodge or committee of five) fair, and lay them before the 
Grand Lodge, at every Quarterly Communication, with 
the vouchers for the disbursements; the items of the ac- 
counts to be then publicly read over; and if any dispute 
or difficulty shall arise upon any of them, the matter to be 
refe-rred to such five Brethren present, as the person then 
presiding shall nominate, and the Grand Lodge approve, 
to examine into the grounds of the same against the next 
Quarterly Communication, when they are to report their 
proceedings in the case, with the state of it, for the final 
judgment and direction of the Grand Lodge: And, 

"That the Treasurer's accounts be allowed, from time 
to time, by the Grand Master's signing them, as allowed 
in the Grand Lodge, and any seven Masters of Lodges 
present attesting such signing in their presence, and two 
copies of such accounts, signed by the Treasurer to be 
forthwith delivered by him to the two Brethren of the 
Committee of five, not officers, each one to be kept by 
them respectively; and the Secretary to enter the ac- 
count so signed and allowed in the Grand Master's book. 
And, 

"The Committee foreseeing, that such a person, as it 
may be thought proper to nominate, from time to time, to 
the office of Treasurer upon this occasion, might, from 
many causes, not always be able to attend the personal 
discharge of it: and judging it reasonable that if he re- 
quires or wants the assistance of another, such assistant 
should have a suitable reward, which, as the Treasurer 
himself makes no profit, cannot be expected he should 



226 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

be at the charge of: — Therefore they do further submit 
it as their opinion, 

" That if the Treasurer, when appointed, shall find it 
necessary to employ under him an assistant or clerk, he 
may be at liberty so to do; such clerk or assistant to be 
a Brother, and to have such allowance from time to time, 
by way of poundage, as the aforesaid committee of five 
shall think fit, out of the moneys passing through the 
Treasurer's hands, not exceeding twelve pence in the 
pound, without the particular allowance and direction of 
the Grand Lodge ; and this to be charged and allowed 
in the Treasurer's accounts. 

" The Committee think it necessary, that every Trea- 
surer, upon his appointment, be desired to give the ear- 
liest general notice he can, where he may be applied to, 
from time to time, for the purposes of this charity, as 
need shall require. All which they submit to your judg- 
ment and direction. 

Alexander Hardine, 
Dalkeith, Dan. Houghton, 

Paisley, G. Taylor, 

Tho. Edwards, W. Richardson, 

Wm. Petty, J. T. Desaguliers. 

"Art. 4. Yet no Treasurer was found, until at the 
Grand Lodge, in ample form, on June 24, 1727, Inchi- 
quin Grand Master, requested Brother Nathaniel Blaker- 
by, Esq., to accept of that office, which he very kindly 
undertook. 

"Then also it was resolved, that the four Grand 
Officers, for the time being, together with Brothers Mar- 
tin Folkes, Francis Sorell, and George Payne, Esqrs., as 
a committee of seven, should, upon due recommenda- 
tions, dispose of the intended charity; and fresh copies 
of the report were sent to the Lodges. 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 227 

"Art. 5. At last this good work of charity was be- 
gun at the Grand Lodge, on Nov. 25, 1729, Kingston 
being Grand Master, and, in his absence, Deputy Grand 
Master Blakerby, the Treasurer, in the chair ; who, after 
a warm exhortation, ordered the Lodges to be called 
over a second time, when some officers gave in the be- 
nevolence of their respective Lodges, for which they 
were thanked ; and their charity being forthwith record- 
ed, was put into the hands of the Treasurer, as a hope- 
ful beginning: and other Lodges following the good ex- 
ample. 

"Art. 6. At the Grand Lodge, in due form, on Dec. 
27, 1729, Deputy Grand Master Blakerby, the Treasu- 
rer, in the chair, had the honor to thank many officers 
of Lodges, for bringing their liberal charity: when by 
a motion of Brother Thomas Batson, counselor at law, 
the Grand Lodge ordained, that every new Lodge, for 
their constitution, shall pay two guineas toward this gene- 
ral charity of Masons. 

"And ever since, the Lodges, according to their abili- 
ty, have, by their officers, sent their benevolence to every 
Grand Lodge, except on the Grand Feast day : and several 
distressed Brothers have been handsomely relieved. 

"Art. 7. But the committee of seven being thought 
too few for this good work, the Grand Lodge, in due 
form, on August 28, 1730, Norfolk being Grand Master, 
and, in his absence, Deputy Grand Master Blakerby, the 
Treasurer, in the chair, resolved, that the Committee of 
Charity shall have added to them twelve Masters of con- 
tributing Lodges; that the first twelve, in the printed 
list, shall be succeeded by the next twelve, and so on: 
and that for dispatch, any five of them shall be a quo- 
rum, provided one of the five is a present Grand Officer. 
Accordingly, 



228 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

" The Committee of Charity met the Treasurer, Bla- 
kerby, the first time, in the Mastership of Norfolk. 

"On November 13, 1730. When they considered the 
petitions of some poor Brethren, whom they relieved, 
not exceeding three pounds to each petitioner: and ad- 
journed, from time to time, for supplying the distressed 
according to their powers ; or else recommended them to 
the greater favor of the Grand Lodge. 

"Art. 8. This Committee had not all their powers at 
once: for, at the Grand Lodge on Dec. 15, 1730, Nor- 
folk being Grand Master, and in his absence, the Depu- 
ty Blakerby in the chair, it was ordained, that for dis- 
patch, all complaints and informations about charity, shall 
be referred, for the future, to the Committee of Charity; 
and that they shall appoint a day for hearing the same, 
shall enter their proceedings in their own Book, and 
shall report their opinion to the Grand Lodge. 

" From this time, the minutes of the Committee of 
Charity have been read and considered at every Grand 
Lodge, except on the Grand Feast day. 

"Art. 9o At the Committee of Charity, March 16, 
1730-1, it was agreed that no petition shall be read, if 
the petitioner do not attend the Committee in person; 
except in the cases of sickness, lameness, or imprison- 
ment. 

"Art. 10. At the Grand Lodge on May 14, 1731, 
upon the motion of Lovell, Grand Master, it was re- 
solved, that all former Grand Masters and Deputies shall 
be members of the Committee of Charity. 

"That the Committee shall have a power to give five 
pounds, as casual charity, to a poor Brother, but no more, 
until the Grand Lodge assemble. 

"Art. 11. At the Committee of Charity, on June 18, 
1731, it was agreed, that no poor Brother, that has been 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 229 

once assisted, shall, a second time, present a petition, 
without some new allegation well-attested. 

"Art. 12. At the Grand Lodge on June 8, 1732, Vis- 
count Montagu being Grand Master, and in his absence, 
Deputy Grand Master Batson in the chair, having sig- 
nified, that notwithstanding the general charity, some 
poor Brothers had molested noblemen and others (being 
Masons) with private applications for charity, to the 
scandal of the Craft; it was resolved, that any Brother 
who makes such private applications for the future, shall 
be forever debarred from any relief from the Committee 
of Charity, the Grand Lodge, or any Assemblies of 
Masons. 

"Art. 13. At the Committee of Charity, on July 5, 
1732, it was agreed, that no Brother shall be relieved, 
unless his petition be attested by three Brothers of the 
Lodge to which he does, or did once belong. 

"Art. 14. At the Grand Lodge, on Nov. 21, 1732, 
Viscount Montagu being Grand Master, and, in his ab- 
sence, Deputy Batson in the chair, it was resolved, that 
all former and present Grand Officers, viz : Grand Mas- 
ters, Deputies, and Wardens, with twenty Masters of 
contributing Lodges in a rotation, according to the print- 
ed list, shall be members of the Committee of Charity. 
And, 

"Art. 15. At the Grand Lodge, on Dec. 13, 1733, 
upon the motion of Strathmore, Grand Master, in the 
chair, it was resolved, that all Masters of regular Lodges, 
that have contributed to the charity, within twelve 
months past, shall be members of the Committee, to- 
gether with all former and present Grand Officers. 

"Art. 16. That considering the usual business of a 
Quarterly Communication was too much for one time; 
whatever business cannot be dispatched here, shall be 



230 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

referred to the Committee of Charity, and their opin- 
ion reported to the next Grand Lodge. 

"Art. 17. That all questions, debated at the said Com- 
mittee, shall be decided by a majority of those present. 

"Art. 18. That all petitions for charity, presented to 
the Grand Lodge, shall be referred to the said Commit- 
tee, who are to report their opinion to the next Grand 
Lodge, viz : whether or not the case of any distressed 
Brother deserves more relief than is in the power of the 
Committee to give? 

"Art. 19. That the said Committee shall twice give 
public notice, in some public newspaper, of the time and 
place of their meetings. 

"Art. 20. At the Grand Lodge, on Feb. 24, 1834-5, 
Craufurd, Grand Master, in the chair, it was recom- 
mended by the Committee, and now resolved here, that 
no Master of a Lodge shall be a member of the said 
Committee, whose Lodge has not contributed to the gene- 
ral charity, during twelve months past. 

"Art. 21. That one of the Brethren, signing and cer- 
tifying a poor Brother's petition, shall attend the Com- 
mittee to attest it. 

"Art. 22. At the Grand Lodge, March 31, 1735.— 
Upon the motion of Craufurd, Grand Master, in the 
chair, it was resolved, that no extraneous Brothers, that 
is, not regularly made but clandestinely, or only with a 
view to partake of the charity; nor any assisting at such 
irregular makings, shall be ever qualified to partake of 
the Masons' general charity. 

"Art. 23. That the Brothers, attesting a petition for 
charity, shall be able to certify, that the petitioner has 
been formerly in reputable, at least, in tolerable circum- 
stances. 

"Art. 24. That every petition received, shall be sign- 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 231 

ed or certified by the majority of the Lodge, to which 
the petitioner does, or did belong. 

"Art. 25. That the name and calling of the petitioner 
be expressly mentioned. 

"Art. 26. At the Grand Lodge, on April 6, 1736, 
Weymouth being Grand Master, and, in his absence, De- 
puty Grand Master Ward in the chair; upon the motion 
of the Committee of Charity, it was resolved, that no pe- 
tition for charity shall be received, which has not been 
offered first to the Secretary, and laid in his hands ten 
days at least before the meeting of the Committee of 
Charity, that he may have time to be informed of its al- 
legations, if they are dubious. 

"Art. 27. At the Grand Lodge, on March 20, 1739, 
Eaymond, Grand Master, it was resolved, that a Bro- 
ther's being entitled to, and receiving relief out of, the 
charity of a particular Lodge, in pursuance of the laws 
thereof, shall be no objection to his being relieved out of 
the general Charity, in case such Lodge shall contribute 
to said general charity, according to the laws of the So- 
ciety. 

"Art. 28. At the Grand Lodge, on December 3, 
1741, Morton, Grand Master, it was resolved, that be- 
fore the Brethren proceed to business in any Committee 
of Charity, all the laws relating to the disposal of the 
general charity of this Society be first read; and that, 
for the future, no petition shall be received, unless every 
Brother shall, at the time of his signing the same, be a 
member of some regular Lodge, and the name of such 
his Lodge be always specified. 

"Art. 29. At the Grand Lodge, on June 18, 1752, 
Carysfort, Grand Master, it was ordered, that the sum 
of three guineas be paid to the Grand Secretary, at every 
communication and annual assembly, for his own inci- 



232 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

dental charges, and that of an Assistant Secretary, out 
of the public Fund. 

"Ordered that any foreign Brother, after due examina- 
tion, shall be relieved by this Committee with any sum not 
exceeding five pounds, any law to the contrary notwith- 
standing. 

"Art. 30. At the Grand Lodge held on November 
29, 1754, Carnarvan, Grand Master, it was resolved, and 
ordered to be entered as a standing regulation of this 
Society, that if any Mason shall without special license 
of the Grand Master or his Deputy for the time being, 
attend as a Mason, clothed in any of the Jewels, or clo- 
thing of the Craft, at any funeral or funeral procession, 
he shall not only be forever incapable of being an officer 
of a Lodge, but even of tyling, or attending on a Lodge, 
or of partaking of the general charity, if he shall come 
to want it. 

"Art. 31. It was then also ordained, that if any Ma- 
son shall attend, tyle, or assist as Tyler, at any meetings 
or pretended Lodges of persons calling themselves Ma- 
sons; not being a regularly constituted Lodge, acknow- 
ledging the authority of our Right Worshipful Grand 
Master, and conforming to the laws of the Grand Lodge, 
he shall be forever incapable of being a Tyler, or atten- 
dant on a Lodge, or partaking of the general charity. 

"Art. 32. At the Grand Lodge on July 24, 1755, 
Carnarvan, Grand Master, it was ordered, that, for the 
future, every certificate granted to a Brother of his being 
a Mason, shall be sealed with the seal of Masonry, and 
signed by the Grand Secretary ; for which five shillings 
shall be paid to the use of the general Fund of Cha- 
rity. — (See Makings, Art. 9.) 

"Thus the Committee of Charity has been established 
among the Free and Accepted Masons of England, who 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 233 

have very generously contributed to their general fund, 
and do still persevere in the good work. 

"Art. 33. The Committee regularly meets, according 
to the summons of the Grand Master, or his Deputy, 
and has relieved many distressed Brothers with small 
sums, not exceeding £6 to each; but the Grand Lodge 
has ordered the Treasurer to pay to some petitioners, ten, 
or fifteen, or twenty pounds, as they thought the case re- 
quired. So that the distressed have found far greater 
relief from this general charity, than can be expected 
from particular Lodges; and the contributions, being 
paid by the Lodges in parcels, at various times, have not 
been burdensome. 

"Art. 34. The Treasurer's accounts have been au- 
dited and balanced at every Grand Lodge; whereby all 
know the stock in hand, and how every parcel of the 
charity has been disposed of; everything being duly re- 
corded in the Grand Lodge Book, and in that of the 
Committee, of which every Master of a contributing 
Lodge is a member. 

"of the stewards. 
"The first mention made of Stewards, is in the Old 
Regulations 23, concerning the Annual Feast, where it 
is ordained, that in order to relieve the two Grand 
Wardens in the extraordinary trouble of that general as- 
sembly, and that all matters might be expeditiously and 
safely managed, the Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall 
have power to nominate and appoint a certain number of 
Stewards, as his Worship shall think fit, to act in con- 
cert with the two Grand Wardens; and that all things, 
relating to the Feast, should be decided among them by 
a majority of votes; except the Grand Master, or his 

20 



234 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Deputy, interpose by a particular direction and appoint- 
ment (See Grand Wardens.) 

"Art. 1. On April 28, 1724, the Grand Lodge or- 
dained, that at the Feast, the Stewards shall open no 
wine until dinner be laid on the tables ; that the members 
of each Lodge shall sit together, as much as possible; 
that after eight of the clock at night, the Stewards shall 
not be obliged to furnish any wine or other liquors; and 
that either the money or tickets shall be returned to the 
Stewards. 

"Art. 2. On November 26, 1728, the office of Stew- 
ards, that had been disused at three preceding Feasts, 
was revived by the Grand Lodge, and their number to 
be always twelve ; who, together with the Grand War- 
dens, shall prepare the Feast. 

"Art. 3. On March 17, 1730-1, the Stewards for the 
year were allowed to have jewels of silver (though not 
gilded) pendant to red ribbons, about their necks, to bear 
white Rods, and to line their white leather aprons with 
red silk. 

"Former Stewards were also allowed to wear the same 
sort of aprons, white and red. 

"Art. 4. On March 2, 1731-2, the Grand Lodge al- 
lowed each of the acting Stewards for the future, at the 
Feast, the privilege of naming his successor in that of- 
fice, for the year ensuing. 

"Art. 5. On June 24, 1735, upon an address from 
those that have been Stewards, the Grand Lodge, in 
consideration of their past service and future usefulness, 
ordained, 

"That they should be constituted a Lodge of Masters, 
to be called the Stewards' Lodge; to be registered as 
such in the Grand Lodge Book and printed lists, with 
the times and place of their meetings. 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 235 

"Art. 6. That the Stewards' Lodge shall have the 
privilege of sending a deputation of twelve to every 
Grand Lodge, viz: the Master, two Wardens, and nine 
more; and each of the twelve shall vote there; and 
each of them that attends shall pay rjalf a crown, to- 
ward the expense of the Grand Lodge. 

"Art. 7. That no Brother, who has not been a Stew- 
ard, shall wear the same sort of aprons and ribbons. 

"Art. 8. That each of the twelve deputies from the 
Stewards' Lodge shall, in the Grand Lodge, wear a pe- 
culiar jewel suspended in the red ribbon ; the pattern of 
which was then approved. 

"Art. 9. That the twelve Stewards of the current 
year shall always attend the Grand Lodge in their pro- 
per clothing and jewels, paying at the rate of four 
Lodges toward the expense of the commnnication: but 
they are not to vote, nor even to speak, except when de- 
sired, or else of what relates to the ensuing Feast, only. 

OF CONSTITUTIONS THE ANCIENT MANNER OF CONSTI- 
TUTING A LODGE. 

"A new Lodge, for avoiding many irregularities, should 
be solemnly constituted by the Grand Master, with his 
Deputy and Wardens; or, in the Grand Master's ab- 
sence, the Deputy acts for his Worship, the Senior Grand 
Warden as Deputy, the Junior Grand Warden as the 
Senior, and a present Master of a Lodge as the Junior. 

"Or, if the Deputy is also absent, the Grand Master 
may depute either of his Grand Wardens, who can ap- 
point others to be Grand Officers pro tempore. 

"The Lodge being opened, and the candidates, or the 
new Master and Wardens being yet among the Fellow- 
crafts, the Grand Master shall ask his Deputy, if he has 
examined them, and finds the candidate Master well-skilled 



236 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

in the Noble Science and the Royal Art, and duly in- 
structed in our mysteries, etc. 

"The Deputy, answering in the affirmative, shall, by 
the Grand Master's order, take the candidate from among 
his Fellows, and present him to the Grand Master, say- 
ing, Right Worshipful Grand Master, the Brethren here 
desire to be formed into a Lodge; and I present my wor- 
thy Brother A. B.to be their Master, whom I know to be 
of good morals and great skill, true and trusty, and a lover 
of the whole Fraternity wheresoever dispersed over the 
face of the earth. 

"Then the Grand Master, placing the candidate on 
his left hand, having asked and obtained the unanimous 
consent of the Brethren, shall say, I constitute and form 
these good Brethren into a new Lodge, and appoint you, 
Brother A. B., the Master of it, not doubting of your 
capacity and care to preserve the cement of the Lodge, 
etc., with some other expressions that are proper and 
usual on that occasion, but not proper to be written. 

" Upon this, the Deputy shall rehearse the charges of 
a Master ; and the Grand Master shall ask the candi- 
date, saying: Do you submit to these charges, as Mas- 
ters have done in all ages? And the new Master signi- 
fying his cordial submission thereunto, 

" The Grand Master shall by certain significant cere- 
monies and ancient usages, install him, and present him 
with the Book of Constitutions, the Lodge-Book, and 
the instruments of his office ; not altogether, but one af- 
ter another; and after each of them, the Grand Master 
or his Deputy shall rehearse the short and pithy charge 
that is suitable to the thing presented. 

"Next, the Members of this new Lodge, bowing all 
together to the Grand Master, shall return his Worship 
their thanks ; and shall immediately do homage to their 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 237 

new Master, and signify their promise of subjection and 
obedience to him by the usual congratulation. 

"The Deputy and Grand Wardens, and any other 
Brethren present, that are not members of this new 
Lodge, shall next congratulate the new Master; and he 
shall return his becoming acknowledgments to the Grand 
Master first, and to the rest in their Order. 

"Then the Grand Master orders the new Master to 
enter immediately upon the exercise of his office, viz : in 
choosing his Wardens: and, calling forth two Fellow- 
crafts (Master Masons), presents them to the Grand Mas- 
ter for his approbation, and to the New Lodge for their 
consent. Upon which 

" The Senior or Junior Grand Warden, or some Bro- 
ther for him, shall rehearse the charges of each Warden 
of a private Lodge: and they, signifying their cordial 
submission thereunto, 

" The New Master shall present them singly, with the 
several instruments of their office, and in due form install 
them in their proper places. And the Brethren of this 
New Lodge shall signify their obedience to those new 
Wardens by the usual congratulation. 

"Then the Grand Master gives all the Brethren joy 
of their new Master and Wardens, and recommends har- 
mony ; hoping their only contention will be a laudable 
emulation in cultivating the Royal Art and the social 
virtues. 

"Upon which, all the new Lodge bow together in re- 
turning thanks for the honor of this new constitution. 

"The Grand Master also orders the Secretary to re- 
gister this new Lodge in the Grand Lodge-Book, and to 
notify the same to the other particular Lodges; and after 
the Master's song, he orders the Grand Warden to close 
the Lodge. 



238 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

" This is the sum, but not the whole ceremonial by- 
far; which the Grand Officers can extend or abridge at 
pleasure ; explaining things that are not n't to be written: 
though none but those, that have acted as Grand Officers, 
can accurately go through all the several parts and 
usages of a new constitution, in the just solemnity. 

"Art. 1. On December 27, 1729, ordered, that every 
new Lodge, for the future, shall pay two guineas for their 
constitution, to the general Fund of Charity. 

"Art. 2. December 27, 1727, the precedency of 
Lodges is grounded on the Seniority of their constitu- 
tion.— (N. R., Art. 3.) 

"Art. 3. November 25, 1723, no new Lodge is owned, 
nor their officers admitted into the Grand Lodge, unless 
it be regularly constituted and registered.— (N. R. f 
Art. 12.) 

"Art. 4. If any set or number of Masons shall take 
upon themselves to form a Lodge, without the Grand 
Master's Warrant, the regular Lodges are not to counte- 
nance them, nor own them as fair Brethren, duly formed, 
nor approve of their acts and deeds ; but must treat them 
as rebels, until they humble themselves, as the Grand 
Master shall in his prudence direct, and until he approve 
of them by his warrant signified to the other Lodges; 
as the custom is, when a new Lodge is to be registered 
in the Grand Lodge-Book. — (0. R., Art. 8. See pages 
265-6. See Makings, Art. 3. Duty of Members, 
Arts. 5, 6.) 

OF MAKINGS. 

"Art. 1. No Lodge shall make more than five new Bro- 
thers at one and the same time, without an urgent neces- 
sity ; nor any man under the age of twenty-five years 
(who must be also his own master) unless by a dispen- 
sation from the Grand Master. — (0. R. y Art. 4.) 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 239 

"At a Quarterly Communication, November 23, 1753, 
Carysfort, Grand Master, it was unanimously ordered, 

"Art. 2. That no Lodge shall ever make a Mason 
without due inquiry into his character; neither shall 
any Lodge be permitted to make and raise the same Bro- 
ther, at one and the same meeting, without a dispensation 
from the Grand Master, which, on very particular oc- 
casions only, may be requested. 

"Art. 3. That no Lodge shall ever make a Mason 
for a less sum than one guinea; and that guinea to be 
applied either to the private Fund of the Lodge, or to the 
public charity, without deducting, from such deposit, any 

money toward the defraying the expense of the T r, 

etc., under the forfeiture of their constitution. But this 
not to extend to the making of waiters, servitors, or me- 
nial servants, who may be instituted by the Lodge they 
are to serve ; provided such making or institution be done 
without fee or reward. — (See Art. 8, below.) 

"Art. 4. Every new Brother, at his entry, is de- 
cently to clothe the Lodge, that is, all the Brethren pre- 
sent ; and to deposit something for the relief of indigent 
and decayed Brethren, as the candidate shall think fit to 
bestow, over and above the small allowance that may be 
stated in the By-Laws of that particular Lodge: which 
charity shall be kept by the Cashier.* 

"Also, the candidate shall solemnly promise to submit 
to the constitutions, and other good usages, that shall be 
intimated to him in time and place convenient. 

"Art. 5. On April 25, 1723, every Brother concerned 
in making Masons clandestinely, shall not be allowed to 
visit any Lodge until he has made due submission, even 
though the Brothers so made may be allowed. 

*Only particular Lodges are not limited, but may take their own me- 
thod for charity. — (New Reg., Art. 7.) 



240 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"Art. 6. On February 19, 1724, none, who form x 
stated Lodge without the Grand Master's leave, shall 
be admitted into regular Lodges, until they make submis- 
sion and obtain grace. 

"Art. 7. On November, 21, 1724, if any Brethren 
form a Lodge without leave, and shall irregularly make 
new Brothers, they shall not be admitted into any regu- 
lar Lodge, no not as visitors, until they render a good 
reason, or make due submission. 

"Art. 8. On March 31, 1735, seeing that some ex- 
traneous Brothers have been made lately in a clandestine 
manner, that is, in no regular Lodge, nor by any authori- 
ty or dispensation from the Grand Master, and upon 
small and unworthy considerations, to the dishonor of the 
Craft; 

" The Grand Lodge decreed, that no person so made, 
nor any concerned in making him, shall be a Grand Of- 
ficer, nor an officer of a particular Lodge ; nor shall any 
such partake of the general charity, if they should come 
to want it— (N. i?., Art. 8.) 

OF THE MASTERS AND WARDENS OF PARTICULAR LODGES. 

"Art. 1. On November 25, 1723, it was agreed that 
if a Master of a particular Lodge is deposed or demits, 
the Senior Warden shall forthwith fill the Master's chair 
until the next time of choosing; and ever since, in the 
Master's absence, he fills the chair, even though a former 
Master be present. — (0. i?., Art. 2. See Grand Lodge, 
Arts. 5, 6.) 

"The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and 
authority of congregating the members of his Lodge into 
a Chapter, upon any emergency or occurrence; as well 
as to appoint the time and place of their usual forming: 
and in case of death or sickness, or necessary absence 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 241 

of the Master, the Senior Warden shall act as Master 
pro tempore, if no Brother is present who has been 
Master of that Lodge before : for the absent Master's 
authority reverts to the last Master present, though he 
cannot act until the Senior Warden has congregated the 
Lodge .— (0. R., Art. 2.) 

"Art. 2. On March 17, 1730-1, Masters and War- 
dens of particHar Lodges may line their white leather 
aprons with white silk, and may hang their jewels at 
white ribbons about their necks. — (N. R., Art. 2.) 

"Art. 3. The Master of each particular Lodge, or 
one of the Wardens, or some other Brother, by appoint- 
ment of the Master, shall keep a book, containing their 
By-Laws, the names of their Members, and a list of all 
the Lodges in town, with the usual times and places of 
their forming; and also all the transactions of their own 
Lodge, that are proper to be written. — (0. JR., Art. 3. 
See Grand Lodge? Arts, 2, 8, 11, 17, and Grand Feast, 
Art. 2. Duty of Members, Art. 3. Removals, Art. 2.) 

"of the duty of members. 

"Art. 1. No man can be accepted a member of a par- 
ticular Lodge, without previous notice, one month be- 
fore, given to the Lodge ; in order to make due inquiry 
into the reputation and capacity of the candidate, unless 
by a dispensation. — (0. R., Art. 5.) 

"Art. 2. But no man can be entered a Brother in any 
particular Lodge, or admitted a member thereof, without 
the unanimous consent of all the members of that Lodge 
then present, when the candidate is proposed, and when 
their consent is formally asked by the Master. They 
are to give their consent in their own prudent way, either 
virtually or in form, but with unanimity. Nor is this in- 
herent privilege subject to a dispensation; because the 
21 



242 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

members of a particular Lodge are the best judges of it; 
and because if a turbulent member should be imposed on 
them, it might spoil their harmony, or hinder the free- 
dom of their communication, or even break and disperse 
the Lodge, which ought to be avoided by all true and 
faithful. 

" But it was found inconvenient to insist upon una- 
nimity in several cases: and therefore the Grand Masters 
have allowed the Lodges to admit a Member, if not 
above three ballots are against him ; though some Lodges 
desire no such allowance. — (N. E., Art. 6.) 

"Art. 3. The majority of every particular Lodge, 
when congregated, not else, shall have the privilege of 
giving instructions to their Master or Wardens, before 
the meeting- of the Grand Chapter or Quarterly Commu- 
nication; because the said officers are their representa- 
tives, and are supposed to speak the sentiments of their 
Brethren at the said Grand Lodge (0. i?., Art. 10.) 

" Upon a sudden emergency, the Grand Lodge has al- 
lowed a private Brother to be present, and with leave 
asked and given, to signify his mind, if it was about 
what concerned Masonry. — (N. i?., Art. 10.) 

"Art. 4. All particular Lodges are to observe the 
same usages as much as possible ; in order to which, and 
also for cultivating a good understanding among Free- 
masons, some members of every Lodge shall be deputed 
to visit the other Lodges, as often as shall be thought 
convenient. — (0. R.,Art. 11.) 

"The same usages, for substance, are actually ob- 
served in every Lodge ; which is much owing to visiting 
Brothers, who compare the usages. — (N. i?., Art. 11.) 

"Art. 5. On February 24, 1734-5, if any Lodge, 
within the Bills of Mortality, shall cease to meet regu- 
larly, during twelve months successive, its name and 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 243 

place shall be erased or blotted out of the Grand Lodge- 
Book and engraved list : and if they petition to be again 
inserted and owned as a regular Lodge, it must lose its 
former place and rank of precedency, and submit to a 
new constitution. — (N. i?., Art. 8.) 

"Art. 6. No set or number of Brethren shall with- 
draw or separate themselves from the Lodge, in which 
they were made, or were afterward admitted members, 
unless the Lodge became too numerous ; nor even then, 
without a dispensation from the Grand Master or Depu- 
ty : and when thus separated, they must either immedi- 
ately join themselves to such other Lodges, that they 
shall like best, or else obtain the Grand Master's war- 
rant to join in forming a new Lodge, to be regularly con- 
stituted in good time. 

"Art. 7. But if any Brother so far misbehave himself 
so as to render his Lodge uneasy, he shall be thrice duly 
admonished by the Master and Wardens in a Lodge 
formed: and if he will not refrain his imprudence, nor 
obediently submit to the advice of his Brethren, he shall 
be dealt with according to the By-Laws of that particu- 
lar Lodge, or else in such a manner as the Quarterly 
Communication shall in their great prudence think fit. — 
(0. R., Art. 9.) 

"On February 19, 1723-4, no Brother shall belong to 
more than one Lodge within the Bills of Mortality, 
though he may visit them all, except the members of a 
foreign Lodge. — (N. R., Art. 4.) 

"This regulation is neglected for several reasons, and 

now, says Dr. Anderson, is become obsolete (See G, 

Lodge, Art. 11. G. Feast, Art. 5.) 



244 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"of visitors. 
"On February 19, 1723-4, no visitor, however skilled 
in Masonry, shall be admitted into a Lodge, unless he 
is personally known to, or well vouched and recommend- 
ed by, one of that Lodge present. — (IV. J?., Art. 6. See 
Makings, Arts. 5-7. Duty of Members, Art. 47. See 
also Grand Master, Art. 6.) 

"of removals. 

"Art. 1. On November 21, 1724, if a particular 
Lodge remove to a new place for their stated meeting, 
the officers shall immediately signify the same to the 

Secretary (N. R., Art. 4. See Duty of Members, 

Art. 6.) 

"On January 25, 1737-8, the Grand Lodge made the 
following Regulation : 

"Art. 2. Whereas disputes have arisen about the re- 
moval of Lodges from one house to another, and it has 
been questioned in whom that power is vested; it is 
hereby declared, 

"That no Lodge shall be removed without the Mas- 
ter's knowledge; that no motion be made for removing 
in the Master's absence ; and that if the motion be se- 
conded or thirded, the Master shall order summons to 
every individual member, specifying the business, and 
appointing a day for hearing and determining the affair, 
at least ten days before : and that the determination shall 
be made by the majority, provided the Master be one of 
that majority: but if he be of the minority against re- 
moving, the Lodge shall not be removed unless the ma- 
jority consists of full two-thirds of the members present. 

" But if the Master shall refuse to direct such sum- 
mons, either of the Wardens may do it: and if the Mas- 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 245 

ter neglects to attend on the day fixed, the Wardens may- 
preside in determining the affair in the manner prescribed ; 
but they shall not, in the Master's absence, enter upon 
any other cause but what is particularly mentioned in the 
summons: and if the Lodge is thus regularly ordered to 
be removed, the Master or Wardens shall send notice 
thereof to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge for publish- 
ing the same at the next Quarterly Communication. — 
(N. R., Art. 9.) 

"Art. 3. Carnarvan, Grand Master, Nov. 29, 1754, 
it was ordained, that no Lodge shall for the future be 
deemed regularly removed until the removal thereof shall 
be approved and allowed by the Grand Master, or his 
Deputy for the time being. 

"of the grand feast. 
"Art. 1. The Brethren of all the Lodges in and 
about London and Westminster, shall meet annually in 
some convenient place or public hall. — (0. i?., Art. 22.) 

" Or, any Brethren around the globe, who are true and 
faithful, at the place appointed, until they have built a 
place of their own. 

"They shall assemble either on St. John Evangelist's 
or St. John Baptist's day, as the Grand Lodge shall 
think fit by a new regulation; having of late years met 
on St. John Baptist's day: 

"Provided the majority of the Grand Lodge, about 
three months before, shall agree that there shall be a 
Feast and a general Communication of all the Brethren: 
for if they are against it, others must forbear it at that 
time — (See Grand Wardens, Art. 3.) 

" But whether there shall be a Feast or not for all the 
Brethren, yet the Grand Lodge must meet in some con- 
venient place on St. John's day; or if it be a Sunday, 



246 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

then on the next day, in order to choose or recognize 
every year a new Grand Master, Deputy, and Wardens. 
— (See Grand Master, Art. 1.) 

"The Annual Feast has been held on both the St. 
Johns' days as the Grand Master thought fit. And, 

"On November 25, 1723, it was ordained, that one of 
the Quarterly Communications shall be held on St. John 
Evangelist's day and another on St. John Baptist's day 
every year, whether there be a Feast or not, unless the 
Grand Master find it inconvenient for the good of the 
Craft, which is more to be regarded than days. 

"But of late years, most of the eminent Brethren be- 
ing out of town on both the St. Johns' days, the Grand 
Master has appointed the Feast on such a day, as ap- 
peared most convenient to the Fraternity. 

"On January 29, 1730-1, it was ordained, that no 
particular Lodge shall have a separate Feast on the day 
of the General Feast.— (IV. B., Art. 21.) 

"Art. 2. The Masters of Lodges shall appoint one 
experienced and discreet Brother of his Lodge, to com- 
pose a committee consisting of one from every Lodge, 
who shall meet in a convenient apartment to receive 
every person that brings a ticket ; and shall have power 
to discourse him, if they think fit, in order to admit or 
debar him, as they shall see cause. Provided, 

"They send no man away before they have acquaint- 
ed all the Brethren within doors with the reasons thereof; 
that so no true Brother may be debarred, nor a false 
Brother, or a mere pretender admitted. This Committee 
must meet very early on St. John's day at the place, be- 
fore any persons come with tickets — (0. i?., Art. 25.) 

"Art. 3. On January 25, 1723, the Grand Lodge 
ordered, that the Committee of Inquiry and the Stew- 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 247 

ards, with others, shall be early at the place of the Feast 
for those purposes mentioned in this old regulation, and the 
order was confirmed by the Grand Lodge, viz : on Nov. 
17, 1725— (N. R., Art. 25. See Grand Wardens, Art. 
3, and Stewards, Arts. 1-3.) 

"Art. 4. The Grand Master shall appoint two or 
more true and trusty Brothers to be Porters and Door- 
Keepers, who are also to be early at the place for some 
good reasons; and who are to be at the command of 
said Committee. — (0. R., Art. 26. See Grand Lodge, 
Art. 2.) 

"The Tylers and other servants, within or without 

doors, are now appointed only by the Stewards (N. 

R., Art. 26.) 

"Art. 5. All the Members of the Grand Lodge must 
be at the place of Feast long before dinner, with the 
Grand Master or his Deputy at their head; who shall 
retire and form themselves. And this in order, 

"To receive any appeals duly lodged as above regu- 
lated (See Grand Lodge, Art. 11); that the appellant and 
respondent may both be heard, and the affair may be ami-, 
cably decided before dinner, if possible. 

"But if it cannot, it must be delayed until after the 
new Grand Master takes the chair. 

"And if it cannot be decided after dinner, the Grand 
Master must refer it to a special committee, that shall 
quickly adjust it and make report to the next Grand 
Lodge; that so brotherly love may be preserved. 

"To prevent any difference or disgust which may be 
feared to arise that day; that so no interruption may be 
given to the harmony and pleasure of the General As- 
sembly and Grand Feast. 

" To consult about whatever concerns the decency and 



248 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

decorum of the General Assembly, and to prevent ill 
manners ; the Assembly being promiscuous, that is, of all 
sorts of Freemasons. — (O. R., Art. 28.) 

"This however was found so inconvenient, and dis- 
consonant with the intention of a day of mirth, that it 
was soon after, on Nov. 25, 1723, ordained, that there 
should be no petitions or appeals on the day of the Gen- 
eral Assembly and Feast. — (N. R., Art. 13.) 

"Art. 6. The Grand Lod^e must be formed before 
dinner. — (See Grand Master, Arts. 1-3.) 

"Art. 7. It was formerly the custom, after the Grand 
Master was proposed, for the Grand Master, the De- 
puty, the Grand Wardens, the Stewards, the Treasu- 
rer, the Secretary, the Clerks, and every other person, to 
withdraw and leave the Masters and Wardens of particu- 
lar Lodges alone ; in order to their amicably consulting 
about the election of a new Grand Master, or the con- 
tinuing of the present another year ; if the said Masters 
and Wardens had not met and done it the day before. 

"And if they agreed by a majority to continue the pre- 
sent Grand Master, his Worship was called in; and, af- 
ter thanks, was humbly desired to do the Fraternity the 
honor of ruling them another year. And after dinner, 
and not before, it was made known whether he accepted 
of it or not (O. i?., Art. 29.) 

"But this being found inconvenient, a new regulation 
was made at the Assembly, on Dec. 27, 1720, and there- 
by agreed, that the new Grand Master should by the pre- 
sent be proposed to the Grand Lodge at their Communi- 
cation, some time before the day of their Annual Feast; 
and that if he was approved then, or no objection made, 
he was to be forthwith saluted Grand Master elect, if 
there; or if absent, his health was to be toasted as 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 249 

such; and that as such he was to march to the Feast on 
the present Grand Master's left hand. 

"Thus on Lady -day, 1721, Payne, Grand Master, pro- 
posed the Duke of Montagu: and all have since been so 
proposed. Therefore, 

"Now, before dinner, there is no election, but only a 
recognizing of the former approbation of the new Grand 
Master, which is soon done. 

"Art. 8. Then the Masters and Wardens, and all 
the Brethren may converse promiscuously, or as 
please to sort together, until the dinner is coming in, 
when every Brother takes his seat at the table. — (0. R., 
Art. 30.) 

"The Grand Master may say grace himself, or employ 
some Brother who is a clergyman, or else the Secretary, 
to say grace, both before and after dinner. — (Neiv R., 
Art. 30.) 

"Art. 9. Some time after dinner the Grand Lodge is 
formed, not in retirement but in presence of all the 
Brethren, who yet are not members of it ; and none of 
those that are not, must speak, until they are desired and 
allowed.— (0. R., Art. 31.) 

" This old method was found inconvenient : therefore, 
as the whole Assembly sit together at dinner in the form 
of a Grand Lodge, there is no alteration, but the mem- 
bers of the Grand Lodge continue promiscuously in their 
seats (IV. R., Art. 31.) 

"Art. 10. If the Grand Master of last year has con- 
sented with the Masters and Wardens in private before 
dinner to continue for the year ensuing, then one of the 
Grand Lodge, deputed for that purpose, shall represent 
to all the Brethren his Worship's good government, etc., 
and turning to him, shall in the name of the Grand Lodge, 



250 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

humbly request him to do the Fraternity the great honor 
(if nobly born, if not), the great kindness of continuing 
to be their Grand Master for the year ensuing: and his 
Worship declaring his consent by a bow or a speech, as 
he pleases, the said deputed member of the Grand 
Lodge shall proclaim him aloud, Grand Master of 
Masons ! 

"All the Members of the Grand Lodge shall salute 
him in due form; and all the Brethren shall, for a few 
minutes have leave to declare their satisfaction, pleasure, 
and congratulation. — (0. R., Art. 32. See Grand Mas- 
ter, Arts. 1, 2.) 

"Art. 11. But if either the Masters and Wardens 
have not in private this day before dinner, nor the- day 
before, desired the last Grand Master to continue in his 
Mastership another year; or if he, when desired, has 
not consented, then the present Grand Master shall nomi- 
nate his successor. — (0. R., Art. 33. See Grand Mas- 
ter, Art. 1.) 

"Art. 12. The Grand Master, or Deputy, or some 
other appointed by him, shall harangue all the Brethren 
and give them good advice. And lastly, 

"After some other transactions that cannot be written 
in any language, the Brethren may stay longer or go 
away, as they please, when the Lodge is closed in good 
time.— [0. R., Art. 38.) 

"After the oration, the five public healths may be 
toasted; and be ore or after each, a Mason's Song with 
the best instruments of music. 

"Other things relating to the charges, etc., of the 

Grand Master, are best known to the Fraternity (N. 

B.yArt. 38.) 



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 251 

"TYLERS. 

• 

"By whom appointed. — (See Grand Lodge, Art. 2 

Grand Wardens, Art. 3.) 

" Their punishment for attending on irregular Lodges, 
— (See Committee of Charity, Art. 32.) 

"Who rendered incapable of being a Tyler. — (See 
Committee of Charity, Art. 31.) 

"funerals. 
"No funeral procession of Masons properly clothed, 
without license from the Grand Master, or his Deputy. — 
(See the penalty under Committee of Charity, Art. 31.) 



"On the 14th February, 1776, it was resolved in Grand 
Lodge, That in future all Past Grand Officers shall be 
permitted to wear a particular gold jewel, the ground 
enameled blue, each officer being distinguished by the 
jewel which he wore while in office: with this diffe- 
rence, that such honorary jewel be fixed within a circle 
or oval, on the borders of which may be inscribed his 
name, and the year in which he served the office. This 
jewel to be worn in Grand Lodge pendent to a broad 
blue ribbon, and on other occasions to be fixed to the 
breast by a narrow blue ribbon." 

"An Appendix to the Book of Constitutions, containing 
all the principal proceedings of the Society since the 
publication of the last edition of that book, was ordered 
to be printed, as well as a Freemasons' Calendar; and 
it was also resolved, that the fees for constitutions, ini- 
tiations, etc., should be advanced, and no person be re- 
ceived into Masonry in any Lodge under the Constitu- 



252 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

tion of England for a less sum than two guineas; and 
that the name, age, profession, and place of residence of 
every person initiated, and of every Brother admitted 
member of a regular Lodge, since the 29th Oct., 1778, 
should be duly registered, under the penalty of such Ma- 
son made, or member admitted, being deprived of the 
privileges and advantages of the Society." — {Sketches of 
the Ancient History of Masonry, page 106.) 



THE OLD CHARGES OF THE FREE 
ACCEPTED MASONS. 

Collected from their old records at the comfnand of the 
Grand Master, approved by 'the Grand Lodge, and or- 
dered to be published in the first edition of the Book 
of Constitution on March 25th, 1722, 

I. CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION 

A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the moral 
law ; and if he rightly understand the art he will never 
be a stupid atheist, nor an irreligious libertine. But, 
though in ancient times, Masons were charged in every 
country to be of the religion of that country or nation, 
whatever it was ; yet it is now thought more expedient 
only to oblige them to that' sligion in which all men 
agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves ; 
that is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and 
honesty, by whatever denominations or persuasions they 
may be distinguished, whereby Masonry becomes the 
centre of union, and the means of conciliating true friend- 
ship among persons that must have have remained at a 
perpetual distance. 



254 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



II. OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND 
SUBORDINATE. 



A Mason is a peaceable subject to the civil powers 
wherever he resides or works, and is never to be con- 
cerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and 
welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutifully 
to inferior Magistrates ; for as Masonry hath always been 
injured by war, bloodshed and confusion, so ancient Kings 
and Princes have been much disposed to eneourage the 
craftsmen, because of their peaceableness and loyalty* 
whereby they practically answered the cavils of their 
adversaries, and promoted the honor of the fraternity, 
who, ever flourished in times of peace. So that if a Bro- 
ther should be a rebel against the State, he is not to be 
countenanced in his rebellion, however he may be pitied 
as an unhappy man, and if convicted of no other crime, 
though the loyal brotherhood must and ought to disown 
his rebellion, and give no umbrage or ground of political 
jealousy to the government for the time being, they can- 
not expell him from the Lodge, and his relation to it re- 
mains indefeasible. 



III. OF LODGES, 



A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work; 
hence that assembly, or duly organized society of Masons, 
is called a Lodge ; and every Brother ought to belong 



ANCIENT CHARGES. 255 

to one, and to be subject to its By-Laws and general 
regulations. It is either partcular or general, and will 
be best understood by attending it, and by the regulations 
of the General, or Grand Lodge hereunto annexed. In 
ancient times, no Master or Fellow could be absent from 
it, especially when warned to appear- at it, without incur- 
ing a severe censure, until it appeared to the Master and 
Wardens, that pure necessity hindered him. 

The persons admitted members of a Lodge, must be 
good and true men — free born, and of mature and dis- 
creet age. No bondmen, no women, no immoral or scan- 
dalous men, but of good report. 



IV. OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS, AND APPRENTICES. 



All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real 
worth and personal merit only ; that so the Lord may be 
well served — the Brethren not put to shame, nor the 
royal craft despised ; therefore no Master or Warden is 
chosen for seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible 
to describe these things in writing, and every brother 
must attend in his place, and learn them in a way pecu- 
liar to this fraternity. Only candidates may know that 
no Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has suffi- 
cient employment for him, and unless he be a perfect 
youth, having no maim or defect about his body, that 
may render him incapable of learning the Art — of serv- 
ing his Master's Lord, and of being made a Brother, and 
then a Fellow Craft in due time, even after he has served 
such a term of years as the custom of the country di- 



256 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

rects ; and that he should be descended of honest parents^ 
that so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive to the 
honor of being a Warden, and then a Master of the 
Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the Grand 
Master of all the Lodges, according to his merit. 

No Brother can be a Warden until he has passed the 
part of a Fellow Craft; nor a Master until he has acted 
as Warden ; nor Grand Warden until he has been Mas- 
ter of a Lodge ; nor Grand Master until he has been a 
Fellow Craft before his election, who is also to be nobly 
born, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or some emi- 
nent scholar, or some curious architect, or other artist, 
descended of honest parents, and who is of singular great 
merit in the opinion of the Lodges. And for the better 
and easier, and more honorable discharge of his office, 
the Grand Master has a power to choose his own De- 
puty Grand Master, who must be then, or must have been 
formerly, the Master of a particular Lodge, and has Jl i 
privilege of acting whatever the Grand Master, his prin- 
cipal, should act, unless the said principal be present, or 
interpose his authority by a letter. 

These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinate, 
of the ancient Lodge, are to be obeyed in their respective 
stations by all the Brethren, according to the old charges 
and regulations, with all humility, reverence, love, and 
alacrity. 



V. Of THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT IN WORKING. 

All Masons shall work honestly on working days, that 
they may live creditably on holy days, and the time ap- 



ANCIENT CHARGES. 257 

pointed by the law of the land or confirmed by custom, 
shall be observed. 

The most expert of the Fellow Craftsmen shall be 
chosen or appointed the Master or overseer of the Lord's 
work, who is to be called Master by those who work un- 
der him. The Craftsmen are to avoid all ill language, 
and to call each other by no disobliging name, but Bro- 
ther or Fellow, and to behave themselves courteously 
within and without the Lodge. 

The Master, knowing himself to be able of cunning, 
shall undertake the Lord's work as reasonably as possi- 
ble, and truly dispend his goods as if they were his own ; 
nor to give more wages to any Brother or Apprentice, 
than he really may deserve. 

Both the Master and the Masons receiving their wages 
justly, shall be faithful to the Lord, and honestly finish 
their work, whether task or journey ; nor put the work 
to >aslt that hath been accustomed to journey. 

None shall discover envy at the prosperity of a Bro- 
ther, nor supplant him, or put him out of his work, if he 
be capable to finish the same ; for no man can finish an- 
other's work so much to the Lord's profit unless he be 
thoroughly acquainted with the design and draughts of 
him that began it. When a Fellow Cragsman is chosen 
Warden of the work, under the Master, he shall be true 
both to Master and Fellows, shall carefully oversee the 
work in the Master's absence, to the Lord's profit, and his 
Brethren shall obey him. 

All Masons employed, shall weekly receive their 
wages, without murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the 
Master till the work is finished. 

A younger Brother shall be instructed in working, to 



25S THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

prevent spoiling the materials for want of judgment; and 
for increasing and continuing of brotherly love. 

All the tools used in working shall be approved by the 
Grand Lodge. 

No laborers shall be employed in the proper work of 
Masonry ; nor shall Masons work with those that are not 
free, without urgent necessity; nor shall they teach la- 
borers and unaccepted Masons, as they should teach a 
Brother or Fellow. 



VI. OF BEHAVIOR, 

1. Iq the Lodge, while constituted, you are not to hold 
private committees, or separate conversation, without 
leave from the Master, nor talk of anything, impertinent 
or unseemly, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or 
any Brother speaking to the Master : nor behave yourself 
ludicrous or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged in 
what is serious and solemn ; nor use any unbecoming 
language upon any pretence whatsoever; but to pay due 
reverence to your Master, Wardens, and Fellows, and put 
them to worship. 

If any any complaint be brought, the Brother found 
guilty, shall stand to the award and determination of the 
Lodge, who are the proper and competent judges of all 
such controversies, (unless you carry it by appeal to the 
Grand Lodge,) and to whom they ought to be referred, 
unlesss a Lord's work be hindered the meanwhile, in 
which case a particular reference may be made: but you 
must never go to law about what concerneth Masonry 
without an absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge. 



ANCIENT CHARGES 259 



2. BEHAVIOUR AFTER THE LODGE OVERj AND THE 

BRETHREN NOT GONE. 



You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treat- 
ing one another according to ability ; but avoiding all 
excess, or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his 
inclination, or hindering him from going when his occa- 
sions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or 
that may forbid a free and easy conversation, for that 
would blast our harmony and defeat our laudable pur- 
poses. Therefore no private piques or quarrels must be 
brought within the door of the Lodge, far less, any quar- 
rels about religion, nations, or State policy. We being 
only, as Masons, of the Catholic religion above men- 
tioned ; we are also, of ail nations, tongues, kindreds and 
languages, and are resolved against all politics, as what 
never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge, nor ever 
will. This charge has always been strictly enjoined ancj 
observed; but especially, since the reformation in Britton, 
or the dissent and secession of these nations from the 
communion of Rome. 



3. BEHAVIOUR WHEN THE BRETHREN MEET WITHOUT 
STRANGERS, BUT NOT IN A LODGE FORMED; 



You are to salute one another in a courteous manner, 
as you will be instructed — calling each other Brotherj 
freely giving mutual instruction, as shall be thought ex- 



960 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



pedient, without being overseen or overheard, and with- 
out encroaching upon each other, or derogating from that 
respect which is due !o any Brother, were he not a Ma- 
son, for, though all Masons are Brethren upon the same 
levels yet Masonry takes no honor from a man that he 
had before ; nay, rather it adds to his honor, especially 
if he has deserved well of the Brotherhood, who must 
give honor to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners. 

4. BEHAVIOUR IN THE PRESENCE OF STRANGERS NOT 

MASONS. 

You shall be cautious in your words and carriage, thai 
the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discov- 
er or find out what is not proper to be intimated ; and 
sometimes you shall divert a discourse, or manage it pru- 
dently, for the honor of the worshipful fraternity. 

5. BEHAVIOUR AT HOME, AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.. 

You are to act. as becomes a morgl and wise man ; par- 
ticularly, not to let your family friends and neighbors- 
know the concerns of the Lodge, &c.., bat wisely to con, 
suit your own honor, and that of the ancient brotherhood, 
for reasons not to be mentioned here. You . must also 
consult your health, by not continuing together too late, 
or too long from home after Lodge hours are past, and by 
avoiding gluttony and drunkenness, that your families 
be not neglected or injured, nor you disabled from 
working 



ANCIENT CHABGBL. 261 



6< BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS A STRANGE BROTHER. 

You are Cautiously to examine him in such a method 
as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be im- 
posed upon by an ignorant, false pretender, whom 
yon are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware 
of giving him any hints of knowledge ; bnt if you dis- 
cover him to be a true and genuine Brother, you are to 
respect him accordingly ; and if he is in want you must 
relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may 
be relieved ; you must employ him some days, or else 
recommend him to be employed. But you are not 
charged to do beyond your ability—only to prefer a poor 
Brother, that is a good man and true, before any other 
poor people in the same circumstances. 

Finally, all these charges yon are to observe, and also, 
those that shall be communicate 1 to you in another way— 
cultivating brotherly love, the validation and capstone 
— the cement and glorj of this ancient fraternity, avoid- 
ing all wrangling and quai-relling — all slander and 
backbiting — not permitting bthars to slander any honest 
Brother, but defending his character, and doing him all 
good offices, as far as is consistent with your honor and 
safety, and no farther ; and if any of them do you injury, 
you must apply to your own or his Lodge, and from 
thence you may appeal to the Grand Lodge, at the quarter- 
ly communication, and from thence to the annual Grand 
Lodge, as has been the ancient laudable conduct of our 
forefathers in every nation— never tafelypg a legal course 
but when the case cannot be otherwise decided, and pa- 



262 



THE EYSTIC CIRCLE. 



tientiy listening to the honest and friendly advice of 
Master and Fellow, when they would prevent your go- 
ing to law with strangers, or would excite you to pu* 
a speedy period to all law-suits, that so you may mind 
the affair of Masonry with the more alacrity and sue 
cess. But with respect to Brothers and Fellows at law, 
the Master and Brethren should kindly offer their media- 
tion, which ought to be thankfully submitted to by the 
contending Brethren, and if that submission is imprac- 
ticable, they must, however, carry on their process, or law- 
suit, without wrath and rancor, (not in the common 
way,) saying or doing nothing which may hinder bro r 
therly love and good offices to be renewed and contu> 
lied, that all may see the benign influence of Masonry? 
as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the 
world, and will do to the end of time. AMEN. SO 
.MOTE IT BE. 



RULES AND REGULATIONS. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATE. 

A strict though private and impartial inquiry will be 
made into the character and ability of the candidate before 
he can be admitted into any Lodge ; and by the rules of 
Masonry, no friend who may wish to propose him, can 
show him any favor. But if he have a friend who is a 
Mason, and is every way satisfied, his duty is described 
as follow : 

OF PROPOSING CANDIDATES. 

Every person dsirous of being made a Freemason in 
any Lodge, shall be proposed by a Member, who shalj 
give an account of the candidate's name, age, quality, 
title, trade, place of residence, description of his person, 
and other necessary requisites, as mentioned in the fore- 
going sections ; and it is generally required that such 
proposals be also seconded by some one or more Members 
who are acquainted with the candidate. Such proposals 
shall also be made in Lodge hours, at least one Lodge 



■faerr 



264 



THE MYSTIC CiECLE. 



night before initiation ; and, in order that the Brethren 
may have sufficient time and opportunity to make a strict 
inquiry into the morals, character, and circumstances of 
the candidates ; for which purpose a special committee 
is sometimes appointed. The Brother who proposes a 
candidate, shall at the same time deposite such a sum of 
money for him as the rules or by-laws of the Lodge may 
require, which is forfeited to the Lodge if the candidate 
should not attend acccording to his proposal ; but is to be 
returned to him if he should not be approved or elected. 
In case he be elected, he is to pay in addition to his de- 
posit such further sum as the laws of the Lodge require, 
and clothe Lodge, or make some other present, as his 
circumstances will admit, and the Brethren agree to ac- 
cept, for the benefit of the Craft and distressed Members. 

THE CANDIDATE. 

He has a right, before his admission, to desire his 
friend to show him the Warrant or Dispensation by 
which the Lodge is held ; which, if genuine, he will 
find to be an instrument written or printed on parchment, 
and signed by some Grand Master, h:s Deputy, the 
Grand Wardens, and Grand Secretary, sealed with the 
Grand Lodge seal, constituting particular persons therein 
named as Masters and Wardens, with full power to con- 
gnegate and hold a Lodge at such a place, and therein 
il make and admit Freemasons according to the most an- 
cient and honorable eustom of the royal Craft in all ages 
and nations throughout the known world, with full pow- 
er and authority (if a charter) to nominate aud cfafeteste their 



MASONIC RULES. 265 

successors, etc. He may also request the perusal of the 
by-laws, which being short he may read in the presence 
of his friend, and be shown a list of the members of the 
Lodge, by all which he will be better able to judge for 
himself whether he could associate with them and render 
a ready conformity to their rules. Being thus free to 
judge for himself, he will not be liable to the dangers of 
deception. But, on the contrary, he will be admitted 
into a Society where he may converse with men of honor 
and honesty, be exercised in all the offices of brotherly 
love, and be made acquainted with some things of which 
it is not lawful to speak or make known out of the 
Lodge. 



ADMITTING MEMBERS. 

No Member can be imposed upon any Lodge without 
its consent: nor can any brother be admitted unless he 
produce a certificate of his having paid all arrearages 
to the Lodge of which he was last a member: for should 
any Lodge admit a Brother who is in arrears to another 
Lodge, the Lodge thus admitting him makes the debt 
their own. 

No Lodge shall interfere in the business of another 
Lodge. It would be highly improper in any Lodge to 
confer a degree on a Brother who is not of their house- 
hold ; for every Lodge ought to be competent to their 
own business, and are indubitably the best judges of the 
qualifications of their dwn Members ; and it does not 
follow of course, that a Brother admitted among the 
household as an Apprentice to learn the mystic art, is 



266 



THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



capable of taking charge of that household, however 
skilled he may be iti his Apprenticeship, for there are x 
many very necessary qualifications essential in those who 
are promoted to the higher ranks of the order. 



OF REPRESENTATION. 

As the officers of every Lodge are the proper repre- 
tatives of their own Lodge, still for the sake of equal 
representation, the officers are allowed;Deputies, when 
unable to attend themselves, which Deputies must be ap- 
pointed by the majority of every Lodge, when duly con- 
gregated, and their appointment shall be attested by the 
Secretary, with the seal of the Lodge ; and every Lodge 
has the privilege of instructing their Master and War- 
dens or their Deputies for their conduct in the Grand 
Lodge. 

But no individual can appear for more than one Lodge 
at a time. Lodges shall have place according to the 
'date of their constitutions. If any Lodge shall cease to 
meet regularly for twelve months successively, its charter 
shall be void. 

FORMING A NEW LODGE. 

Every Brother ought to be a member of some Lodge ; 
nor is it proper that any number of Brethren should with- 
draw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which 
they were made or admitted members, without good 
cause ; although the right is an inherent one, and can 



MASONIC RULES. 267 

riever be restrained by any power whatsoever ; still such 
separation is improper, unless the Lodge become too nu- 
merous for working ; in which case, a sufficient number 
may withdraw with the approbation of the Lodge, in 
order to form a new one. Before application can be 
made to the Graud Lodge, they shall pay all dues to 
their Lodge, and give them notice in writing, that they 
intend to apply to the Grand Lodge for a warrant to form 
a new one. The Lodge then shall certify to the Grand 
Lodge the cause of the application, and at the same time 
shall recomend the Brethren best nullified as Master 
and Wardens. No set of Masons shall take upon them- 
selves, without such warrant, to work together and form 
a new Lodge. 



OF ATTENDANCE. 

Every Brother ought to belong to some regular Lodge, 
and should always appear therein properly clothed : truly 
subjecting himself to all its by-laws, and the general re- 
gulations. He must attend all meetings, when duly sum- 
moned, unless he can offer to the Master and Wardens 
such plea of necessity for his absence, as the said laws 
and regulations may admit. By the ancient rnles and 
usages of Masonry, which are generally adopted among 
the by-laws of every Lodge 3 no plea was judged suffi- 
cient to excuse any «Wntee 3 unless he could satisfy the 
Lodge that he was detained by some extraordinary and 
unforeseen necessity. 

None have a right to vote in the Lodge but such as are 
Members. 



£68 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

No Brother shall be a Member of more than one Lodge 
at a time. 



DUTY OF MASTERS. 

Every Master of a Lodge should himself carefully 
study the foregoing charges and cause them to be fre~ 
quently read in Lodge, that they may make their impres- 
sion upon the minds of the Brethren which from their 
importance they deserve. 

Every Lodge shall keep a book containing their by- 
laws, the names of all their members, with a list of all 
Lodges, under the same Grand Lodge, with the usual 
times and places of meeting of such Lodges, and such 
other necessary parts of their transactions as are proper 
to be committed to writing. 

No new Lodge is acknowledged, nor can their officers 
be admitted into the Grand Lodge until such new Lodge 
is first regularly constituted and registered by the authori- 
ty of the Grand Lodge. 

DEFINITIONS. — LODGE. 

"The term Lodge is generally applied the congrega- 
tion of Freemasons, as well as the Hall in which they 
meet ; but, technically speaking, the Lodge is the Taber- 
nacle, or Ark of the Covenant, as constructed by Baza- 
leel, by the command of God delivered to Moses, which 
contained the Tables of the Laws. Under the wings of 
its cherubim, upon the Mercy Seat, the Shekinai resided, 
from whence the Divinity delivered his Oracles to Moses. 



AHIMAN REZON. 271 

A HIMAN REZON. 

The Book of Constitutions is usually denominated 
Ahiman Rezon ; which is a corruption of three Hebrew 
words, Achi Man Ratzon, which signifies the thoughts, 
or opinions of a true and faithful Brother. 

DECORATIONS OF LODGES. 

The Decorations of the Grand Lodge are crimson and 
gold; and those of subordinate Lodges, light-blue and 
silver. 



272 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



CONSTITUTIONAL KULES, 

FOUNDED ON THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 

I. "Any five regular Lodges can form and constitute 
a Grand Lodge, in a state, kingdom, or nation, where no 
Grand Lodge is already established; and possess the 
right of forming a code of laws for their government." 

II. "No Brother, either of the Grand Lodge, or of a 
private Lodge, can be recognized as an officer, until after 
he is installed." 

III. "No officer can resign his office after he is install- 
ed ; nor can any election be held, but at the constitution- 
al meeting for that purpose." 

IV. "No Freemason should be elected to an office in 
consideration of his fortune or rank in society, but from 
a consciousness of his real merit and ability, and from 
the belief that he will fill his office with honor to him- 
self and with advantage to the Lodge." 

V. "No Freemason chosen to any office can refuse to 
serve (unless he has before filled the same office) without 
incurring the penalties established by the by-laws." 

VI. "No convocation of Ancient York Masons can 
be held within the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge, 
without a warrant of constitution from that body, or a 
dispensation from the presiding Grand Officer." 

VII. "Every Lodge which shall cease to meet for 
twelve calendar months, shall be deemed extinct, and 
lose its former rank, if reinstated; unless it shall be re- 
vived by one of its former officers, or three old Mem- 
bers." 

VIII. "All Masonic power being derived from the 
Grand Lodge, no private Lodge can suspend its meetings 
without forfeiting its warrant." 



AHIMAN REZON. 273 

IX. "No Lodge can, at an extra meeting, alter or ex- 
punge the proceedings had at a regular meeting." 

X. " None but Past Masters, who are members of the 
Grand Lodge, are eligible to office in the Grand Lodge, 
or as proxies for Lodges." 

XI. "No Lodge can interfere in the business of an- 
other Lodge, or give degrees to Brethren who are mem- 
bers of other Lodges." 

XII. "No candidate can receive more than two de- 
grees in one night, nor any number of candidates more 
than five degrees in the same night. The Grand Lodge 
can, for special purposes, grant a dispensation to increase 
the number of the latter, but not the former." 

XIII. "No < ex post facto' law shall be made, either 
by the Grand Lodge, or by a private Lodge, nor any 
law be passed which may be repugnant to the laws of the 
land." 

XIV. "No visitor shall be allowed to enter a Lodge 
without undergoing an examination agreeable to ancient 
form and usage, or being properly vouched for." 

XV. " Every Freemason shall be obliged to wear his 
apron in the form established by the degrees he has re- 
ceived." 

XVI. " Every applicant for initiation must be born 
of free parents, be of mature or legal age, under no 
bondage, in the perfect enjoyment of his senses, hale, and 
sound, not deformed, nor dismembered, his manners irre- 
proachable, and a firm believer in the existence of a Su- 
preme Being." 

XVII. "No woman, or eunuch, nor an old man in his 
dotage, can be initiated." 

XVIII. "No Brother can be recognized as a Past 
Master, but one who has served as Master of a regular 



274 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Lodge of Ancient York Masons, during one term of 
office." 

XIX. " No entered Apprentice can join in any debate, 
that may be brought before the Lodge. Fellowcrafts 
and Master Masons possess this privilege, but none but 
Master Masons shall be allowed to introduce a motion." 

XX. " On St. John the Evangelist's day (27th Dec), 
annually the Brethren shall meet in Grand Communica- 
tion, from whence they shall walk in procession to some 
place of worship, and there attend divine service." 

XXI. "Every private Lodge, as well as every Bro- 
ther has the right to appeal to the Grand Lodge, whose 
decision is final." 



PART Y. 



KESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, AND OPINIONS. 

ACCOUNTABILITY OF MASONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. I, page 36.) 

"Every Member of the Fraternity is accountable for 
his conduct as a Mason, to any regularly-constituted 
Lodge ; but if he be a member of a particular Lodge, 
he is more immediately accountable to that Lodge. A 
Mason acquires some special privileges by becoming a 
member of a Lodge, and he has to perform special ser- 
vices, which he might not otherwise be subjected to 

But he enters into no new obligations to the Fraternity 
generally, and his accountability is not increased any fur- 
ther than regards the faithful performance of those spe- 
cial duties. Hence, the only difference between those 
Brethren who are members of Lodges and those who are 
not, is, that the members are bound to obey the by-laws 
of their own particular Lodges, in addition to their gene- 
ral duties to the Fraternity. Again: Every Mason is 
bound to obey the summons of a Lodge of Master Ma- 
sons, whether he be a member or otherwise. This obli- 
gation on the part of the individual, clearly implies a 
power in the Lodge to investigate and control his con- 
duct in all things which concern the interest of the 
Institution. This power cannot be confined to those 
Brethren who are members of Lodges, for the obligation 
is general." 

(275J) 



276 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES. LITERARY. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 164.) 

"It is certainly greatly to be desired that all candidates 
for Masonry should at least be able to write their own 
names. Nevertheless, the admission of an individual 
incapable of doing this would not, in our opinion, be a 
violation of any fundamental law of the Institution. — 
The only regulation which has any direct bearing upon 
the question, is that by which the application is required 
to be made in writing and signed by the petitioner. But 
the civil law regards the 'mark' of an individual as 
equivalent to his signature, and the same rule has, so far 
as we are informed, with a single exception, obtained in 
Masonry. The exception is in the regulations of the 
Grand Lodge of England, under whose jurisdiction 'an 
individual who cannot write is ineligible to be admitted 
into the Order.' At least this is the construction given 
in a note to the article requiring the candidate to 'sub- 
scribe his name at full length' to his application or pe- 
tition. It is however to be regarded as a local rule ; for 

there is no such prohibition in the general regulation 

Even the requiring the candidate to sign his own petition is 
a modern regulation. Two hundred years ago the ability 
to write was a rare accomplishment among the middling 
classes ; and if we go back one or two hundred years 
further, we shall find that it was not a very common at- 
tainment even in the higher ranks of society. It was 
not anciently required as a qualification for admission 
into the Fraternity, or there would have been but few 
Masons." 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 277 



PHYSICAL REQUISITES OF CANDIDATES LOSS OP 

LIMBS,, ETC. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 120.) 

"There is a law governing the case, a plain and posi- 
tive law, and which is obligatory upon all — especially 
Masters of Lodges. The copy of the 'Ancient Con- 
stitutions' contains the following provision: 'Every 
person desiring admission must also be upright in body, not 
deformed or dismembered, at the time of making ; but of 
hale and entire limbs, as a man ought to be.' 

" Now we ask, whether a man who has had the misfor- 
tune to have his leg taken off above the knee, or an arm 
above the elbow, is not 'deformed or dismembered;' 
whether he is of 'hale and entire limbs.' If not, he 
cannot be made a Mason. To satisfy all that this is not 
a new thing, or an interpolation upon the laws of the 
Craft, we quote the following regulation as it was first 
embodied in the 'Regulations' and published by Anderson, 
in the earliest printed copy of the 'Ancient Constitutions:' 
'No Master shall take a 'Prentice that is not the son of 
honest parents, a perfect youth, without maim or defect 
in body and capable of learning the mysteries of the art.' 
— (Anderson's Const., p. 135.) 

" The same provision existed at a still earlier date. In 
the reign of James the Second, about the year 1688, the 
following was in force: 'and that the Apprentice should 
be free born, and of limbs whole, as a man ought to be.' 
Again — 'That he be made able in all degrees, that is, 
freeborn, of good kindred, true, no bondsman, and that 
he have his right limbs, as a man ought to have.' 

"Dalcho's old 'Ahiman Rezon,' of 1807, contains the 
same provision as the copy published under the authority 
of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. To conclude our author- 



278 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE 

ities on this subject, we quote from the Constitution of 
the Grand Lodge of England, edition of 1847, the latest: 
4 No Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has 
sufficient employment for him ; and, unless he be a per- 
fect youth, having no maim or defect in his body, that 
may render him incapable of learning the art.' — (Art. 4, 
And. Charges.) 

" These quotations clearly show that the law now in 
force, is the same, substantially, that it has always been. 
This law is binding upon every Mason ; and more espe- 
cially is- every Master of a Lodge bound to see that this 
law is not violated. And, we hold, that should any 
Lodge, or Master of a Lodge, so far forget the duty they 
owe to the Craft, to preserve inviolate the c fundamental 
laws' of the Order, as to pretend to confer the degrees 
upon such, no other Lodge or Mason is bound to recog- 
nize such work. In this we are sustained by the Grand 
Lodge of Kentucky. We invite the attention of Masters 
of Lodges to this matter: we have told them what the 
rule is, and where it may be found, and beg they will 
consult the law for themselves. 

"Rule 17. — When the physical disabilities of a can- 
didate, are not such as to prevent him from being initiated 
into the several degrees and mysteries of Freemasonry, 
his admission shall not be construed an infringement 
upon the ancient landmarks, but on the contrary, will be 
perfectly consistent with the spirit of the Institution. — 
(Rule of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, p. 179.) 

" If they are not such as to prevent him from being 
initiated now, what should be his physical disabili- 
ties to come within the rule? We suppose the loss of 
one eye, or an ear, or a finger, or a toe, would not be 
such a disability, 6 as to prevent him from being initia- 
ted. 5 But if the candidate is deprived of any of the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 279 

members or faculties, which are called into requisition 
during the process of initiation, then, he cannot be initi- 
ated. 

"If he was altogether deprived of the sense of hearing, 
or sight, none would dream that he could be received. 
Why? Because it is necessary for him to see and hear 
in order to be instructed. But his limbs — his arms — his 
legs, are as much required as the power to see. Without 
a limb he cannot be practically instructed, and this is the 
kind of instruction required. The same unchanging and 
unchangeable rule which requires the use of sight and 
hearing, requires the use of his limbs. 

"The rule in Kentucky is as follows: 'When the de- 
formity of a candidate is not such as to prevent him 
from being instructed in the arts and mysteries of the 
Craft, the admission will not be an infringement upon 
the ancient landmarks, but will be perfectly consistent 
with the spirit of Freemasonry.' (Mississippi has a 
similar rule.) 

"This, we think, is consistent with the universal law: 
for no man with but one leg or one arm can be l instruc- 
ted in the arts and mysteries of the Craft.' The Grand 
Lodge of Florida approves of this rule. The Grand 
Master of New York says: 'I must call your attention 
to the deliberate decision made and published by the 
Grand Lodges in the United States, that it is not a ne- 
cessary qualification of a candidate to be whole and per- 
fect in body, as well as in mind.' As plain a funda- 
mental principle as words can express, has been here 
solemnly set at naught, and with a mockery of pretended 
reasoning. 

" The Grand Lodge of Arkansas says, in referring to 
this practice: 'By.jthe ancient law it could not be done. 
Changes cannot be made. If legless men can be admit- 



280 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ted, why not admit women?' The Grand Lodge of the 
District of Columbia, at its recent session, declares its 
concurrence with the sentiments of the Grand Lodge of 
New York, and that of Arkansas, and adopts the rule of 
the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. 

" We believe that 'it is not in the power of any man to 
make innovations upon the body of Masonry.' The 
world may change, and men may change, but Masonry 
cannot change, and remain Masonry. It may be altered 
by ingenious minds : the Vandalism of the present, which 
has no veneration for the excellent and honored of anti- 
quity, may invade our beautiful Temple, reared by pious 
hands, and 6 constructed by so many celebrated Craftsmen,' 
and change it to something else : but in the process of trans- 
mutation, the loved and cherished of three thousand years 
will breathe its last. The Masonry of Antiquity, invested 
with so many hallowed associations, and charged with a 
Mission of so much importance, will be robbed of its 
instrumentalities, and die a martyr to the progress of a 
mock benevolence. That venerable organization which 
laid the foundations, and with shoutings brought forth 
the cap-stone of the first and second Temple, — which 
deposited the sacred treasures, and placed the sacred gift 
in the 'most holy place,' and witnessed the manifesta- 
tion of God's presence, and which for three thousand 
years has sheltered the sacred fire, will be scattered in 
fragments to the winds of heaven. It cannot, must not 
be. Let the world change : let other institutions, with 
their peculiar dogmas and objects, grow up, and live their 
brief hour and die ; but, Brethren, lay not violent hands 
upon our venerable Order. It may seem a hardship that 
one who is so unfortunate as to be destitute of an arm, 
but who is otherwise in mind and morals fully qualified, 
should be excluded. But there is no greater hardship in 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 281 

his case, than in that of his wife. She is excluded by 
the same rule, and without a murmur she submits. Let 
others learn from her. A man without a leg or arm 
might be ' worthy' but he cannot be 'well qualified.' 

"In your 'Review' for this month, under the head of 
' Physical Requisites of Candidates,' you notice the fact 
of a subordinate Lodge having conferred the degrees 
upon one who had the misfortune to be in a maimed 
condition, having but one leg: — and lay down the law 
from the 'Ancient Constitutions' governing such cases, 
which, as you say, is obligatory upon all, especially 
Masters of Lodges. What you have there written upon 
the subject, is sufficient to satisfy any person that such an 
act is a gross innovation upon, and rebellion against, the 
real 'landmarks' of the Order. But, as it may be con- 
tended, and is so decided by some bodies of Masons, that 
the change in the character of our Institution, from ' op- 
erative and speculative,' to speculative only, has vindi- 
cated the propriety or necessity of a departure from the 
'Ancient Constitutions, in certain cases, and particularly 
as to the prerequisites of candidates: yet there is still 
another reason presents itself most forcibly to the mind 
of every reflecting man, and of which none can plead 
ignorance (as they sometimes do of the 'Ancient Consti- 
tutions'), why one who has lost a limb should not, and 
cannot be made a Mason. I allude to the established 
ceremonies in conferring the degrees, as being one of the 
principal parts of the ' Body of Masonry,' in which all 
must admit, more especially Masters of Lodges, 'that it 
is not in the power of any man or body of men to make 
innovations.' These are the same, and cannot in any 
case be dispensed with in making a Mason. In these 
ceremonies, each and every limb of a man is brought 
into requisition. He may be deformed by being a little 
24 



282 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

bent, and not 'upright in body,' — may have lost an eye 
or a little finger, and still be able to go through, and be 
instructed in, our art. But if he has lost a leg or an 
arm, how is it possible for such a one to take the first 
step in Masonry, much less to obtain that which he must 
receive in a certain manner, and communicate in the 
isame form? — Extract of a letter from the G. M. of the 
G. L. of Illinois." 

INTEMPERANCE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 343.) 

"Kesolved by this (Michigan) Grand Lodge, That all 
Lodges under its jurisdiction are requested to be par- 
ticularly careful to admit no candidate of bad moral cha- 
racter or intemperate habits within their Lodges, and 
wherever that vice shall appear among their own Mem- 
bers, it shall be the duty of the Lodge forthwith to appoint 
a suitable committee to wait upon such Brother and fore- 
warn him or them of the evil consequences, and if not 
reclaimed after a reasonable time, such Lodge or Lodges 
shall forthwith proceed to make out a summons for such 
offenders to appear before the Lodge, and answer for 
such unmasonic conduct: and unless such offenders shall 
satisfy the Lodge that he will abandon those habits (and 
in that case they may stay further proceedings until suf- 
ficient opportunity be given to test the sincerity of the 
promise) they shall proceed to suspend him for a limited 
time, and when that shall have expired, if not reclaimed, 
then they shall proceed to expel him from all the benefits 
of Masonry." 

IMMORAL AND UNMASONIC CONDUCT. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 353.) 

" Question. — We have a Lodge here. The by-laws in- 
flict punishment for immoral conduct. A charge has 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 283 

been preferred against some of our Brethren for gambling 
with each other for money. When investigating the 
case, a demurrer was made, setting forth that gambling for 
money was not immoral and unmasonic, and therefore 
not implied in the by-laws. The case was suspended 
to alter the by-laws; when the following resolution was 
offered as an explanation of immoral conduct, viz: 'Ke- 
solved, That we consider gambling for money, drunken- 
ness, and profane swearing as immoral conduct. 5 Now, 
will you please to say whether ancient or modern Ma- 
sonry has not assumed a standard of morals, which de- 
nounces these practices as immoral : and which standard 
should be observed by every lover of Masonry ? 

"Answer. — We will not admit the possibility that any 
reasonable mari, who has been educated in a christian 
community, can for a moment seriously entertain a doubt 
that gambling, intemperance, and profane swearing, are 
in themselves, and in their influences, immoral and of 

evil tendency. Being immoral, they are unmasonic 

The practice of them by members of the Fraternity is, 
therefore, in derogation of Masonic principles, Masonic 
laws, and Masonic obligations ; and according to the ex- 
tent to which it is carried furnishes justifiable grounds for 
admonition, suspension, or expulsion from the Institution. 
As to the correctness of these views there can be no 
doubt. But not so as to the degree of indulgence requi- 
site to constitute an actionable offense. To determine 
this point in a manner that shall be equitable and just to 
the accused, and at the same time vindicate the character 
of the Lodge from the suspicion of countenancing the 
derelictions of its unworthy members, might be attended 
with some difficulty. It will not do to denounce, as a 
gambler, every person who may occasionally play at 
cards or other games for money ; nor him as a drunkard, 



284 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

who now and then drinks a glass of brandy and water; 
nor him a profane swearer, who, sometimes, but not ha- 
bitually, utters a foolish or vulgar oath. Such practices 
may be wrong, they may be immoral in their tendencies, 
but it by no means follows that they are criminal to an 
extent that calls for penal proceedings either at the tribu- 
nal of law or morals. 

"But where shall the line of criminality be drawn? 
The question is not easily answered. The ultra reformer 
would punish for a very slight infraction of his imprac- 
ticable code ; while the libertine and sensualist would 
object to all punishment whatever. It has been said, 
that truth lies between two extremes. It may be that in 
the present matter, the line of positive criminality is sim- 
ilarly located. None will deny, that he who pursues 
gambling as a profession, as a means of livelihood, is a 
gambler : nor that he that is habitually intemperate, is a 
drunkard; nor that he who constantly blasphemes, using 
the name of his Creator irreverently, is a profane swearer. 
Against all such, — as against 'libertines and atheists/ — 
the doors of our Lodges should be forever closed. If, 
through negligence, or other cause, such men unfortu- 
nately gain admission, it is the high and imperative duty 
of the Lodge to institute immediately, and without fear 
or favor, the necessary proceedings to effect a reformation 
or expulsion. 

"'A Mason,' says one of our oldest charges, ' should 
avoid all manner of intemperance and excess, which may 
prevent his performance of the laudable duties of his 
Craft, or lead him into enormities, which would reflect 
dishonor upon the ancient Fraternity.' He is to 'seek 
to acquire' those virtues 'which give him command 
over himself, and enable him to govern his own family 
with affection, dignity, and prudence; checking every 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 285 

disposition injurious to the world,' and avoiding those 
practices which tend to the destruction of morals, or to 
the prejudice of those social and civil laws, the preserva- 
tion of which is essential to the welfare and happiness 
of society. i Masons ought to be moral men,' ' avoiding 
all excess injurious to themselves and families:' is the 
language of another of the ancient charges. Neither 
can they be profane swearers, without violating the sa- 
cred duty with which they are solemnly charged on their 
initiation, never to mention the name of God, 'but with 
that awe and reverence which are due from the creature 
to the Creator.' 

" Such, very briefly, are a few of the duties which 
those who have assumed the obligations of Masonry owe 
to themselves and to the Institution. They are obliga- 
tory on all Masons ; and a willful and continued viola- 
tion of them would be unmasonic conduct, and proper 
cause for discipline. The character of the Institution, 
and the principles it inculcate?, are to be inferred from the 
character and conduct of its Members. This is the only 
standard by which the uninitiated will consent to judge 
of its effects and usefulness. And of this we have no 
right to complain. It is a just and proper standard. £ A 
good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a cor- 
rupt tree bring forth good fruit.' 

" Gambling, intemperance, and profane swearing are, 
therefore, incompatible with the Masonic connection, 
and the former or the latter must be abandoned, when- 
ever they are unhappily found to be combined in the same 
person." 

THE FIRST TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 73.) 

" The following paragraph, from the Nashville Union, 
is an interesting fact in Masonic history : Temperance 



286 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

has always been one of the cardinal virtues of the Order. 
4 The Mercury of yesterday contains an ancient pledge 
of teetotalism, written and signed by a bachelor of di- 
vinity and preacher of the Gospel, in England, two 
hundred and eleven years ago.' It may be interesting to 
the friends of the cause to know, as a mere matter of 
history, that the first temperance society on record was 
established by the Freemasons of Italy, just a century 
since. On 28th April, 1748, Pope Clement XII, issued 
his celebrated bull forbidding the practice of Freema- 
sonry by the members of the Roman Catholic Church. 
Many of the Masons of Italy continued, however, to 
meet ; but for the purpose of evading the temporal penal- 
ties of the bull, which extended in some instances to the 
infliction of capital punishment, they changed their ex- 
oteric name and called themselves Xerophagists. This is 
a compound of two Greek words, signifying ' those who 
live without drinking.' This is the title they selected, 
because they then introduced a pledge of total abstinence 
into their by-laws ; and, hence, the Freemasons of Italy 
may claim the honor of having taken the initiatory step 
in the great reformation which has since done so much 
good to mankind. A. G. M." 

FESTIVAL DAYS. REGULAR MEETINGS. 

(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 141.) 

" ( Can a candidate at the previous regular stated meet- 
ing be balloted for on St. John's day following, either 
June 24th or December 27th? Is it a regular meeting 
for that or the like purposes? And if such meeting be 
held without notice to the Brethren on those days as of 
an urgent meeting, would the business thus transacted be 
regular?' 

"Answer. — The phrase 'regular meeting,' we have 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 287 

long considered a very improper one, when applied to 
the meetings of a Lodge. Meetings of Lodges are either 
stated, such as take place at stated periods, or they are 
special, appointed, or called, on other than the time fixed 
by the by-laws. But they are all regular — that is, such 
as are contemplated or provided for by the by-laws of the 
Lodge, or the regulations of the Grand Lodge, or re- 
quired by the emergency of business. An irregular 
meeting would be an illegal one — such as could not and 
would not be sanctioned by Masonic law. The phrase 
6 regular stated meeting' is still worse. A stated meeting 
must be a regular meeting ; for what kind of a meeting 
would be an irregular stated meeting? — or an irregular 
called meeting? All meetings, we repeat again, whether 
stated or called, must be regular meetings, conformable 
to law, or no business could be transacted at them ; they 
would not be meetings of the Lodge, but a mere assem- 
blage of Masons. 

"But to the question. The festivals of St. John the 
Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, are festival days in 
our calendar; but they are not days for business, unless a 
stated or appointed meeting happen to come on one of 
those days. They are Masonic days, and Lodges gene- 
rally meet on them, but not as a stated meeting. The 
Jaw requires a petition to be presented at a stated meet- 
ing, and cannot be acted upon (that is, the candidate 
cannot be balloted for) before the next stated meeting. 
By this rule it was contemplated that ample time would 
be afforded (one month) to investigate the character and 
fitness of the applicant. But suppose the stated meeting 
of the Lodge came on the 23d of June, at which meet- 
ing a petition was presented for initiation, would it be 
proper to consider the 24th a stated meeting, and ballot 
for the applicant? We think not. It may be that his 



288 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

character and qualifications can be as well known in one 
day as in a month ; but it is not so presumed, and it 
would be a dangerous precedent to so construe the custom 
as to make it conflict with the positive law. The 24th 
of June and the 27th of December are stated annual 
days for the meeting of the Lodge as festival days, but 
not as stated meetings for business. Applications for in- 
itiations should always lay over one lunar month, at least, 
unless in cases of great emergency. 

BALLOTING. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 60.) 

" It would be bad policy to permit a ballot to be taken 
when it was known that a difficulty existed between the 
applicant and a member of the Lodge, until that difficulty 
was adjusted — more particularly so, when the interested 
member was absent, and on the voucher of one present, 
that the difficulty should be settled. That member might 
honestly believe that he could succeed in having it ad- 
justed, but might find himself mistaken, and the conse- 
quence would be, the introduction of discord into the 
Lodge, in violation of the Old Regulations. 

" When the investigation of character, etc., is assigned 
to a committee, and they, having attended to their duty, 
but not yet completed it, so as to enable them to make a 
satisfactory report, it would be indecorous to refuse them 
a longer, in order to give them a sufficient, time, to make 
a satisfactory report. And especially would it be im- 
proper to discharge them, appoint a new committee, and 
permit them to report instanter. 

"Where such haste is manifested to have an applicant 
received during the absence of a member known to have 
an objection, we should consider it the duty of those 
present to cast a negative vote, in order to prevent a vio- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 289 

lation of Masonic law, by admitting a member without 
entire unanimity. 

"After the committee on character has made a report, 
(more especially if that report be unfavorable), and the 
by-laws or constitution of the Grand Lodge contain 
a provision that "no petition shall be withdrawn after 
the committee on character has reported;" the Master of 
a Lodge would be recreant to his duty to permit their 
violation, by putting a motion to reconsider the vote 
which rejected him. In such case, the applicant must 
be declared rejected. The petitioner cannot come before 
the Lodge again for consideration, except by filing a new 
petition, to be referred and acted on as the by-laws 
prescribe." 

BALLOTING, WITHDRAWING, PETITIONS, ETC. 
(Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 139.) 

" Three months ago, there were four petitions presented 
to our Lodge for initiation. The committee reported 
favorably on all the petitioners, and they were balloted 
for as they stood on the minutes, and were all rejected. 
A motion was then made by a brother to reconsider the 
vote — which motion was laid over until the next stated 
meeting, when they were balloted for again, which 
proved favorable, and the Lodge proceeded to initiate 
them as they stood recorded on the minutes. One of the 
brothers was absent during the time of balloting, but 
came in afterward, and made objections to one of the 
petitioners, stating that he was not worthy to become a 
member of our Order. This caused considerable excite- 
ment, and his initiation was deferred from one meeting 
to another, until finally the Lodge thought it advisable 
to withdraw the petition. 

" Question. — Were we bound, as a Lodge, to initiate 

25 



290 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

him, or had the brother a right to withdraw the petition, 
or not. 

" Answer. — The practice of reconsidering a vote by 
which an applicant has been rejected, is a very bad one. 
If he is rejected, the decision should stand, and every 
member should quietly acquiesce in that decision. If it 
is thought advisable to present the name again for initi- 
ation, let it be done as it was before, by petition at a 
stated meeting, referred to a committee, and laid over to 
the next stated meeting. This should have been the 
course taken in the above case. 

"But the Lodge did reconsider the vote, and order 
another ballot, when the applicants were all accepted. 
After the ballots were cast, but on the same evening, a 
member came in who had not been there in time to de- 
posit his vote, and objected to the initiation of one of 
the candidates, stating that he was unworthy to be re- 
ceived. Under these circumstances, was the Lodge 
bound to initiate him, notwithstanding the circumstances? 
Certainly not. On the contrary, we think the Lodge 
would have greatly erred by initiating him after the ob- 
jection was made. No one should be received against 
the will of a member of the Lodge. On this subject 
the Old Constitutions as well as the present universal 
law of Masonry, require entire harmony of opinion. 
But the objector was not there in time — why did he not 
come and cast a negative vote ? Perhaps he could not 
get there in time, or was unavoidably delayed. He was 
in time to make the objection before the person was ini- 
tiated. 'But what is to be done — the Lodge has voted 
on his case, and decided to receive him — how must they 
proceed?' We see no particular objection to allowing 
the brother, who came in and objected, to deposit his 
vote yet — there will then be a negative, and the appli- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 291 

cant, of course, rejected : a very easy and simple pro- 
cess. 

"'But cannot the brother who presented the petition, 
withdraw it?' We think not, more especially after a 
ballot has been taken in the case. Petitions should never 
be withdrawn, to avoid a rejection on account of the ap- 
plicant's unworthiness. In extreme" cases it may be per- 
mitted before a ballot — never afterward. 

"To show our correspondent the propriety of admit- 
ting the objection, even when made after the ballot has 
been cast and the applicant accepted, we shall state a 
case that occurred in this State. An applicant had been 
balloted for and accepted. After transacting some other 
business, the Lodge was about proceeding to initiate him, 
when a member who had not been present when the bal- 
lot was taken, came in. He inquired who it was they 
were about to initiate. The W. Master informed him, 
and inquired if he knew any reason why he should not 
be received? The Brother said he did. The applicant 
had been in his employ, and he had very recently dis- 
covered that he (the applicant), had proved dishonest, 
and robbed him of a very considerable sum of money ! We 
need scarcely say he was not initiated. Had the Lodge 
acted upon the principle, that, having decided to receive 
him, they could not retract, but must complete their in- 
tentions, what would have been the consequences? To 
the lasting disgrace of the Craft, the candidate might 
have been met at the door as he retired, and conducted 
to prison, and ultimately to the Penitentiary ! An un- 
worthy man may be stopped at any time before he is 
introduced, if a valid objection is made ; and knowing 
that objection, he should be formally rejected." 



292 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

RECONSIDERING BALLOT, AND WITHDRAWING PETITION. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 231.) 

"Question? — A. petitions a Lodge for initiation; the 
committee of investigation reports favorably, the box is 
prepared, and B. rises and asks the Lodge to excuse 
him from voting, stating that suspicions are held that A. 
will be rejected, and desires by this method to define his 
position, in case of the rejection, that he may not be 
chargeable with it. The Lodge excuses B., takes the 
ballot for A., and all is fair— the petitioner is conse- 
quently found worthy. The Lodge is called off and no 
work done. During the time, it is intimated that A. 
shall take but one degree, of which A.'s friends inform 
him. When the Lodge is called on again, the friends 
of A. state, that, apprehending that his introduction may 
be productive of discord, they desire to reconsider the 
vote, in order that they may not compromit the dignity 
and character of the Lodge. The vote is reconsidered. 
A motion to withdraw the petition and return A. his 
money, prevails unanimously. Is this proceeding regu- 
lar? and have the Ancient Landmarks been kept in 
view? 

" Ansiver. — It was undoubtedly competent for the 
Lodge to excuse B. from voting, though the reason as- 
signed for wishing to be excused, would ordinarily be 
deemed insufficient. As a general rule, a member of a 
Lodge is not, and ought not to be allowed to throw upon 
others the responsibility of admitting or rejecting a can- 
didate : nor will any good Mason, except for urgent and 
peculiar reasons, attempt or desire to do so. The ballot- 
ing for candidates is a high and responsible duty, in- 
trusted exclusively to members of Lodges, and the man- 
ner in which it is discharged is of the utmost importance 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 293 

to the character and prosperity of the whole Fraternity. 
Regarding the subject in this light, many of the Grand 
Lodges expressly provide, by constitutional regulations, 
that every member of a Lodge, if present, shall vote on 
the admission of candidates, unless excused by the Lodge, 
thus taking the power of granting the excuse out of the 
hands of the Master, and requiring a majority vote of the 
Lodge. We see nothing positively irregular in the action 
of the Lodge on the petition. A. had passed investiga- 
tion and the ballot without reproach. He stood before 
the Lodge and on the record as a fair and eligible candi- 
date, and was entitled to the degree. But notwithstand- 
ing this, for reasons not stated, his friends foresaw that 
his admission might disturb the harmony and periiaps 
injure the prosperity of the Lodge. This, like true and 
faithful Brethren, they were desirous to avoid, even at 
some inconvenience and disappointment to their friend. 
They therefore asked to have the vote, admitting him, 
reconsidered, and his petition and fee returned. The 
Lodge granted their request, and thereby restored the 
petitioner to just where he stood before he made the ap- 
plication for admission. He is therefore at liberty to 
renew his application at any Lodge within whose juris- 
diction he may hereafter reside. Had he been rejected, 
the case would have stood differently. The petition 
could not then have been withdrawn. We have said 
there was nothing positively irregular^ in the proceedings 
of the Lodge: and yet a little different course would 
have been more regular. We should not have moved a 
reconsideration of the ballot. That is a matter not to be 
reconsidered, except for pressing reasons, if at all. Be- 
side, in the present case, it would seem to warrant the 
inference that the Lodge had unexpectedly been put in 
possession of information in relation to the candidate. 



294 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

which, if previously known, would have changed the 
result of the ballot. This was not probably the case, 
nor was it probably the design or wish of the Lodge to 
leave any such imputation upon his character. But all 
grounds for suspicion or unfavorable inference, would 
have been removed, had a motion to allow the candidate 
to withdraw his petition at his own request been substi- 
tuted for the motion to reconsider the ballot, or had the 
latter motion been made." 

BALLOTING FOR CANDIDATES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 167.) 

"No motion could be made to reconsider after the ballot 
was declared. If there were but one black-ball, a second 
ballot would have been in order. A second ballot would 
also have been regular against two black-balls, if either 
was cast through mistake, and so declared to be by the 
Brother casting it; and it would have been admissible, 
if requested by a member of the Lodge on the presump- 
tion that both might have been cast by mistake. A se- 
cond ballot, however, settles the question: as do three 
negatives on the first. 

VOTE ON BALLOT CANNOT BE RECONSIDERED. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 164.) 

" Question. — After the ballot box passes and the can- 
didate is rejected, or black-balled, can the vote be recon- 
sidered, or can the petition be withdrawn? 

"Answer. — We do not understand that a motion to 
reconsider a ballot on the application of a candidate 
for the degrees, would, under any circumstances, be 

admissible by any known Masonic law or usage 

The most correct process, as we understand it, is this : 
A candidate applies in writing for the degrees; his 
application is read in open Lodge and usually referred 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 295 

to a committee for investigation. At the ensuing meet- 
ing of the Lodge the committee make their report, the 
ballot is ordered, and the candidate is admitted or 
rejected. In ordinary cases this is an end of the mat- 
ter. But there are exceptions. One of these is, when 
but one black-ball is found in the box. In this case, the 
Master usually orders a second .ballot, with a view to 
ascertain that a mistake has not been committed. If on 
the second ballot the black-ball still remains, the balloting 
is at an end, and the candidate is rejected. The record 
must so be made up. There is no such thing as recon- 
sideration. The candidate can be brought before the 
Lodge again only by a new proposition. His friends can- 
not avert the consequences of the ballot by withdrawing 
his petition after the result is made known. The petition 
belongs to the Lodge; but the fact of its rejection belongs- 
to the Grand Lodge, and the benefit of it to the Frater- 
nity at large. We wish not to be misunderstood here. 
We do not approve of the publication of rejections. It 
is enough that they are privately communicated to the 
Grand Lodge, and by the Grand Secretary to the Lodges 
in the state ; Lodges out of the state possess the inhe- 
rent means of ascertaining the fact if they should ever 
have occasion to know it." 

BALLOT ON PETITIONS NECESSARY. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 203.) 

" Question — If a committee on a petition for degrees 
report unfavorably, is there any necessity for a ballot? 

"Answer. — Yes : A petition is referred to a commit- 
tee to investigate the character and standing of the appli- 
cant — whether or not he is a suitable person to be re- 
ceived into our Institution. That committee reports 
either favorably or unfavorably, according to the result 



296 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

of their investigations. The report is merely a basis for 
the future action of the Lodge. The Lodge expresses 
its determination to receive or reject the applicant, not 
by the report of a committee, but by a vote of every 
member present, given in their own prudent and peculiar 
way. And it is not until after that full expression of 
opinion is had, and one or more negatives are found, that 
the applicant can be said to be rejected. It is the vote 
which rejects an applicant, not the report of the commit- 
tee on his character. It is true, an unfavorable report 
would most likely, and perhaps should, produce an un- 
favorable vote. But suppose no vote was had on the 
case ; could not another Lodge in the same town or city 
receive the candidate if it thought proper? He has not 
been rejected by the Lodge, according to the usual accep- 
tation of that term, for that has, from time immemorial, 
been done by a vote, — and not by a report. Hence the 
necessity for a ballot. 

"The custom of balloting, in all cases, is an imme- 
morial usage, while a committee of investigation is com- 
paratively a recent invention. Such a course was not 
known a hundred and twenty years ago ; and we doubt 
if it has been known half that time. It was, of old, the 
practice to propose a person verbally in open Lodge; it 
was then held under advisement a specified time, and 
then a ballot was had. In the meantime, every member 
was considered a committee, — each one endeavored to as- 
certain for himself the fitness of the individual to be re- 
ceived, and when the time arrived, gave his vote accord- 
ingly — no report being made in the case. As society 
changed, and Masonry became more prosperous, and in- 
dividuals in society not so well acquainted with each 
other, a new plan was adopted to ascertain the fitness of 
the applicant. His petition was required to be in writ- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 297 

ing, setting forth his age, occupation, and residence. In 
order to divide the labors of the Lodge, a committee was 
appointed to inquire into his fitness, and report at the 
next stated meeting. After that report was made, an ex- 
pression of the members was had upon receiving him; 
and by that, and not by the report, was he received or 
rejected." 

BALLOTING ON PETITIONS IMPERATIVE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 225.) 

"Question. — Can a member of a Lodge, and an officer 
being present at a balloting for a candidate for the mys- 
teries of Fremasonry, refuse to cast his vote when the 
petition has been regularly received, and the person re- 
fusing to vote having no constitutional scruples as to the 
proceedings and no objection to the candidate ? 

"Answer. — The admission of members into the Fra- 
ternity is not only one of the most important, but it is 
one of the most responsible duties with which the 
Lodges are charged. This power was originally invest- 
ed in the Fraternity at large, or rather in a specified 
number of Master Masons informally assembled. But 
the looseness of the regulation exposed it to abuse, suffi- 
cient caution was not exercised and unworthy persons 
were admitted. It was, therefore, as early as 1663, wise- 
ly determined to restrict the power to regularly-constituted 
Lodges, to make them the guardians of the Fraternity, to 
commit to their care and keeping its reputation and wel- 
fare. It was a great and sacred trust, and for the manner 
in which it shall be discharged each and every member 
of a Lodge is responsible, to the extent of his influence, 
not only to his own particular Lodge, but to the w r hole 
Fraternity, for all are interested in his acts, when those 
acts are of a character to affect the whole, either in re- 
putation or interest. A candidate on entering the Frater- 



298 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

nity engages to do and perform certain acts. If he fail 
in either of these, he so far fails in the discharge of his 
duties as a Mason. But he advances one step further, 
and affiliates himself, as every Brother should do, with a 
particular Lodge. He here enters into new engagements, 
and assumes new responsibilities and trusts. He engages 
to exert his talents and energies in the advancement of 
the interests, and in the attainment of the various objects 
for which the Lodge has been established. Among the 
most important of these, is the admission of candidates. 
So essential to the welfare of the Institution has a care- 
ful and rigid discharge of this duty been considered, that, 
as a general rule, it has been deemed wise and prudent 
to invest every individual member of the Lodge with the 
despotic power to reject whom he will, without questions 
as to his reasons or his motives, his honor and his con- 
science being presumed to be a sufficient guarantee for 
the propriety of both. Let us inquire, then, whether 
the inference is sound and logical, that this great power 
has been given to an individual member, to be exercised 
by him, or not, as he may deem expedient. On the con- 
trary, has he not been clothed with it expressly for the 
preservation of the character and welfare of the Institu- 
tion? If so, does he discharge his duty to the Fraterni- 
ty, when he refuses or neglects, through fear, or par- 
tiality, or other secret motive, to exercise it? And if he 
may defer the performance of this duty, may he not, with 
equal propriety, refuse to perform any of his Masonic en- 
gagements? If one member may do this, why may not 
all ? The by-laws of the Lodge may not in terms re- 
quire that each member shall ballot, but they do provide 
that candidates shall not be admitted except by ballot. — 
These ballots must be cast by the members. This is a 
constructive or incidental duty, arising from a positive 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 299 

provision of the by-laws, the performance of which is 
made obligatory on the Lodge by the regulations of the 
Grand Lodge. Now, whatever is the duty of a Lodge, 
it is the duty of every member to see performed; and 
whatever is required to be done by the members in their 
aggregate capacity, each individual member is required 
to assist in doing. There is not usually any provision 
in the by-laws which in terms requires a member to vote 
against an unworthy applicant for admission; yet he is 
under a constructive obligation to do so, and his refusal, 
or willful neglect to discharge this obligation, would sub- 
ject him to the discipline of his Lodge. A Brother is 
charged, on his first admission into the Fraternity, not to 
recommend an unworthy person for its privileges. This 
is made a positive duty ; but it carries with it the con- 
structive duty, not less important or obligatory, to vote 
against such a person if recommended by another. His 
whole duty is not done until he has used all his influ- 
ence and power to preserve the Institution against the ad- 
mission of the unworthy. It is not, therefore, to be in- 
ferred, that because the by-laws or the constitutions do not 
expressly provide for a particular duty that the discharge 
of that duty is left to the option of the members of the 
Lodge. There are many collateral and constructive du- 
ties, like the one under consideration, which are necessa- 
ry to a full and proper discharge of the positive duties 
enjoined by the established regulations. And this class 
of duties cannot with propriety be neglected. When a 
Brother joins a Lodge, he does it with the understanding 
and under an obligation to support the regulations, and 
to render his best services in performing the duties of the 
Lodge. One of these duties is the balloting for candi- 
dates for initiation. We are aware that this duty is fre- 
quently avoided in the Lodge, and so are many other 



300 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Masonic duties, or we should all be better Masons.— 
But it is the principle, not the practice, we are discuss- 
ing. A bad practice cannot vitiate or impair the validity 
of a good principle." 

PETITIONS FOR EACH DEGREE. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 26.) 

" Question — 'After a candidate has been initiated, is it 
customary to pursue the same course in regard to his peti- 
tioning for the other degrees (F. C. and M. M.); that is, 
should the petition for either of these degrees be received 
at one stated meeting, and laid over to the next stated 
meeting, before there should be a ballot for the passing 
or raising the candidate, where there are no objections 
found against him?' 

"Answer. — When a person makes application to a 
Lodge to become a Mason, it is supposed that his appli- 
cation is for all the degrees of symbolic Masonry — E. 
A., F. C, and M. M. If admitted to the first degree, 
there is no necessity for him to make a formal applica- 
tion, by a written petition, for the second degree. As 
soon as he has passed his probation in that degree, and 
become sufficiently well-skilled in its mysteries, he can 
be passed to the second, and in the same way to the third. 
It is supposed that no man applies for the first degree 
alone, or for the first and second. His petition is 'to be- 
come a member' of the 'ancient Institution.' He cannot 
be a member of a Lodge, nor entitled to vote, nor share in 
several other privileges, until he is a 'member' — Master 
Mason. Hence the original petition is understood to be 
for all the degrees conferred in a blue Lodge. 

" Should an individual be rejected at any stage of his 
progress, after he has received the first degree, it might 
be necessary afterward for him, should he wish to pro- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 301 

ceed, to file a written application, before the sense of the 
Lodge could be taken on his further progress. Such an 
application should lay over one month, and be acted on 
only at a stated meeting, unless the by-laws of the Lodge 
or of the Grand Lodge under which it works, make pro- 
vision for a different practice. Such, we believe, would 
be a safe and consistent practice." 

BALLOTING ON EACH DEGREE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 360.) 

" It seldom happens, if ever, that every member of the 
Lodge is present when a candidate is balloted for; and 
it is very possible that the only one in possession of rea- 
sons sufficient for the rejection of the applicant may be 
absent when his petition is acted on. It is, consequently, 
very proper, whenever such is the case, that the Brother 
who would have opposed his reception in the first in- 
stance had he been present, should be allowed another 
opportunity for the purpose, and to have his objections 
removed, if not well-founded, or the farther advancement 
of the candidate arrested, should it appear upon mature 
deliberation that he is unworthy of the privilege he seeks 
to obtain. Beside, it may be received as a sound maxim, 
that no one who has been once admitted within the por- 
tals of the Lodge, and initiated as an Entered Apprentice, 
will on slight grounds be refused further light; and that 
no one who has been admitted to the first and second de- 
grees, will be rejected on his application for the third, 
except from an imperative sense of duty to the Masonic 
Institution." — (Ex. from Rep. of Com. of G. L. of III.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 185.) 

"Resolved (Missouri), That it is the duty of each sub- 
ordinate Lodge to pass the secret ballot previous to con- 
ferring each degree in Masonry." 



302 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 199.) 

" Question. — It has been contended by some, that a 
Master Mason is entitled, as such, wherever he may be, 
to all the privileges enjoyed by Master Masons, until he 
shall be suspended or expelled, and that no member can 
black-ball an application for membership of a Master 
Mason to any Lodge, if he produces his demit or diplo- 
ma of good character and passes the examination of a 
committee ; while others say, they can black-ball a Mas- 
ter Mason, and that he is under the same rules and regu- 
lations of an application for initiation; and by this latter 
course, a member rejected is denied the right of trial or 
demand of specific charges, and is remediless; and thus 
summarily disposed of. 

"Again : Have visiting Brethren the right to vote for 
the initiation of applicants for the degrees? and ought 
any person to be received, when it is known a Master 
Mason will black-ball him, whether such Master Mason 
be a member of the Lodge or not to which the applica- 
tion is made? 

"Answer. — Lodges are composed of an indefinite 
number of Brethren, usually about fifty, some having 
more, some less, who are associated together under the 
authority of a charter from the Grand Lodge for the pur- 
poses of Freemasonry. This charter is granted to the 
petitioners and such other Brethren as they may see fit 
to associate with them. It neither requires nor prohibits 
an increase of the number of members. The Lodge is 
not, therefore, under any obligation to do either, unless 
required by some special and unusual provision in the 
constitution of the Grand Lodge. As a general rule, the 
Lodge is at liberty to admit or reject as it sees fit. None 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 303 

other than Master Masons can properly be admitted to 
membership: and they cannot claim the privilege as a 
right. They must petition and be admitted by ballot; 
an opposite course would often be attended with danger- 
ous consequences to the harmony and prosperity of the 
Lodge. The members must be allowed to select their 
own associates; — there is safety in no other course. If 
an applicant is rejected, he has no appeal ; but his stand- 
ing in the Fraternity is not affected by the rejection; his 
privileges remain the same; nor should the circumstance, 
of itself, be permitted to operate to his disparagement, 
either as a man or a Brother. His rejection may have 
been the result of personal dislike, the want of proper so- 
cial qualities, or other similar causes, not affecting his 
moral character. 

"To the second inquiry, we answer, that visiting 
Brethren have no right to vote on the admission of can- 
didates for initiation. If a visitor knows any reason why 
an applicant should not be admitted, it is his duty to 
communicate it to the Master of the Lodge, that the ob- 
jection may be properly investigated, and this is all that 
he has occasion to do. He cannot be permitted to inter- 
fere further than this with the transactions of the Lodge, * 
unless he sees cause to enter complaint against it before 
the Grand Lodge. 

"To the third inquiry: If the Master Mason is a 
member of the Lodge, he should communicate his ob- 
jection to the Master or the committee of investigation, 
or be present to exercise his right to negative the appli- 
cant if he should see good cause. If he be not a mem- 
ber, then, he should communicate the nature of his ob- 
jection to the Master of the Lodge. If neither of these 
be done, we see no sufficient reason to warrant the rejec- 
tion of the candidate." 



304 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

PETITIONS TO LIE OVER. REPORT OP COMMITTEE. (MIS- 
SISSIPPI.) 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 59.) 

"Your Committee would, however, recommend the 
strict enforcement of a rule, that a petition for initiation, 
and for each advancement of the candidate, shall lie 
over for consideration, at least one month, and that no 
action should be had upon such petitions except at regu- 
lar meetings of the Lodge; and that no case shall be 
considered a case of emergency, except when the candi- 
date is about to remove permanently from the state. — 
Many of the Grand Lodges have recently determined to 
adhere rigidly to this rule. The M. W. G. Master of 
Virginia says, 'the impropriety of the opposite practice 
is evident without comment.' The Grand Lodge of 
Florida expresses the opinion in which your Committee 
agree, 'that no Grand Officer, or Grand Lodge, has a 
right to dispense with any ancient usage or constitution 
of Masonry,' and declares this to be one of the ancient 
landmarks which cannot be changed by any authority.- — 
The Grand Lodge of Ohio condemns the rapidity with 
which candidates are advanced generally as a violation 
of an ancient rule." 

RENEWAL OF PETITION ONCE REJECTED. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 132.) 

" Question Is there any specified time for an indi- 
vidual to wait before he may petition the Lodge the 
second time, after his petition has been once rejected? 

"Answer. — There is not. The written law of the 
Fraternity is silent on the subject, and the practice is not 
uniform. In some of the states it is regulated by the 
Grand Lodges in their constitutions, and in others it is 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 305 

left to the local regulations of the subordinate Lodges. 
The periods usually fixed in such cases, are six and 
twelve months. But we are not favorably disposed to- 
ward this way of adjusting the matter. It is too loose 
and uncertain. It might happen that the cause of the 
rejection of the candidate may be satisfactorily explained 
and removed in twenty-four hours after the ballot is taken. 
In such cases, the Lodge should be at liberty to avail 
itself of the earliest opportunity to heal the wound it 
has causelessly, though unintentionally, inflicted on the 
feelings of an upright and honorable man. Under such 
circumstances, the delay would be cruelty. On the other 
hand, the candidate may not be any better qualified to 
receive the degrees, after the expiration of a year of pro- 
bation, than when he was first proposed and rejected. — 
The most just to all parties, and, in our judgment, the 
safest course for the Institution, would be for each Grand 
Lodge, within its own jurisdiction, to prohibit by consti- 
tutional enactment the initiation of a candidate who has 
been once rejected in any other Lodge than that to which 
he originally applied for admission, except he obtain the 
written recommendation of at least six members of the 
Lodge rejecting him, three of whom should be the Mas- 
ter and Wardens. This is the regulation of the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts (see M. Mag., vol. v, p. 294), 
and leaves the matter where it properly belongs, in the 
hands of those who best understand it." 

PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP REJECTED. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 295.) 

" Question In a Lodge of Master Masons, a Bro- 
ther Master Mason petitions for membership and is re- 
jected. Does it affect his standing in that or other 

26 



306 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Lodges ? or is he, after said rejection, entitled to the privi- 
leges of the order, in visiting that and other Lodges? 

u Are the proceedings of a Lodge of Master Masons 
binding and legal until they receive the signature of the 
Master? 

"Answer. — The rejection of a candidate for member- 
ship does not affect his standing as a Mason, and he may 
continue to visit the Lodge rejecting him, or any other, 
until charges are regularly preferred against him, and he 
has been formally suspended or expelled ; the refusal of 
the Lodge to receive him as a member, does not necessa- 
rily imply moral delinquency. 

"The signature of the Master is not necessary to give 
validity to the proceedings of the Lodge. The approval 
of the Lodge and the signature of the Secretary make 
the records complete, unless the by-laws require the sig- 
nature of the Master. But, in this case, the record 
would stand good even though the Master should with- 
hold his signature. Were it otherwise, the Master 
might at any time annul the whole proceedings of the 
Lodge. He possesses no such power. It is rarely that 
the Master of the Lodge is required to sign the pro- 
ceedings." 

HIRAM ABBIFF. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 128.) 

"The word AbbifF is taken from the Hebrew word Abbi 
the possessive of Abba, and signifies father, or, figura- 
tively, superior. The name, with its affix, may there- 
fore be rendered, Hiram, my father ; or it may be ren- 
dered, and we think, in view of the sense in which it .is 
used, with greater propriety, Hiram, my (or the) supe- 
rior; that is, the Master or Director and Superinten- 
dent of the works." 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 307 

AHIMAN REZON. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, page 11.) 

" The Ahiman Rezon is a code of laws which has ex 
isted from time immemorial, for the government of the 
Craft, and is usually denominated, the Book of Consti- 
tutions. The word Ahiman signifies, 'a brother pre- 
pared, or a brother of the right-hand. 5 The word Ahi 
is literally translated, the ' brother of the Lord.' The 
word Rezon implies either lean, small, secret, or prince. 
The words are said to have been in use among the Fra- 
ternity in the time of King Solomon." 

APPEALS FROM THE SENTENCE OF A SUBORDINATE 

LODGE. (MISSISSIPPI.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 358.) 

"Resolved, That all Masons desiring an inquiry into 
the decrees of their subordinate Lodges, in cases of sus- 
pension or expulsion, must give the subordinate Lodge 
due notice of their intention to appeal ; and a copy of 
the record, and all other matters pertaining to the case, 
shall be sent up to the Grand Lodge at its Grand Annual 
Communication after said appeal." 

FROM DECISION OF MASTER. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 323.) 

" Question? — Has a member the right to appeal from 
the decision of the Master, to the Lodge ? 

" Answer. — We are not aware of the existence of 
any written authority or settled usage which would jus- 
tify an appeal from the decision of the Master to the 
Lodge. * Every National Scheme of Government, 5 says 
our learned English Brother, Dr. Oliver, * is invigorated 
v vith a supreme ruler, either elected or hereditary, to 



308 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

whose authority all the members are necessarily subordi- 
nate.' In domestic life, children are placed by nature 
under the control of their parents : the Brethren of the 
Lodge, in like manner, are under the dominion of its 
Master; who, in his turn, though supreme in his own 
Lodge, is amenable to the Grand Lodge for every undue 
and improper exertion of power. The Master of a 
Lodge is under special obligations, in addition to those 
which rest upon the members, and of which they are not 
generally supposed to be cognizant. For the faithful dis- 
charge of these obligations, he is answerable to the Grand 
Lodge only. And on an impeachment before that body, for 
official neglect of duty, or for malpractice, the plea of hav- 
ing been overruled by the Lodge, would not avail to his 
justification, because he might have averted the evil by 
closing his Lodge. This he was bound to do, rather 
than submit to the necessity of violating his conscience, 
or the regulations of the Grand Lodge. If a Lodge, or 
any member, feel aggrieved by the decision of the Mas- 
ter, he, or it, has a remedy in an appeal to the Grand 
Master in the interim, or to the Grand Lodge in session. 
The preceding remarks are based on, and relate to, what 
are strictly the duties of a Lodge, and the powers of the 
Master in respect to those duties, as recognized and de- 
fined by the Constitutions of Masonry." 

APPEAL. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 287.) 

" The Grand Lodge of Ohio has decided that a mem- 
ber of a subordinate Lodge, may appeal from the decision 
of the Master, and that the Lodge may reverse the Mas- 
ter's decision. In our opinion, the power of the Master 
is absolute, and his decision conclusive and binding: 
He is compelled to see that the laws and edicts of the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 309 

Grand Lodge are enforced, and is responsible to that 
body alone for the government of his Lodge. The in- 
troduction of such a principle as this is in palpable vio- 
lation of the rights and duties of the Master, and must 
produce an entire subversion of Masonic discipline. In 
conformity with this, it has been generally decided that 
the Lodge has no power to try its Master, but that he 
must be impeached before the Grand Lodge, and tried 
by that tribunal. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 280.) 

The Grand Lodge of South Carolina, in allusion to 
the above, uses the following language : 

"'This palpable violation of the rights and duties of 
the Master, and of the ancient usages of the Order, 
which is unknown to this, and I believe every other ju- 
risdiction, except that of Ohio, must result, wherever 
practiced, in the entire subversion of Masonic disci- 
pline.'" 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE (MISSISSIPPI.) 

(Proceedings of Grand Lodge for 1848, page 54.) 

" Some of our sister Grand Lodges have commented 
upon the use of the word 'adjournment,' taking of the 
yeas and nays, and appealing from the decision of the 
chair, in the proceedings of the Grand Lodges. Though 
we might well question whether the adoption of ordinary 
legislative rules in ordinary legislative proceedings, would 
be in violation of any of the principles, or the removal 
of a landmark in Masonry, for the information of our 
Brethren, it is well enough to say that we do not deem 
it proper to use in our published proceedings, more of the 
peculiar language of the Lodgeroom, than is indispen- 
sably necessary. Hence the use of 'adjournment, etc.' 



310 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

And if 'appeals' are mentioned, it is not to be presumed 
that the Grand Lodge claims the right to appeal, but 
that it is allowed by courtesy of the Grand Master, and 
generally at his own suggestion, from diffidence in his 
own, or out of deference to the opinion of the Grand 
Lodge; but even this, is not considered allowable in the 
subordinate Lodges." 

ADVANCEMENT REPORT OF COMMITTEE (MASS.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. Ill, page 258.) 

" With some few exceptions the Lodges in all parts 
of the country have within the last twenty years, in- 
dulged in the censurable and injurious practice of ad- 
vancing candidates to a superior degree without any 
reference to their proficiency in those they have already 
received. Let the Lodge do its work in a proper man- 
ner, let it develope to the mind of the candidate the 
beauties of Masonry, and impress him with a true under- 
standing of its moral excellencies, and nine times in ten 
he will prove a zealous and useful Brother. But the 
practice is irregular. The oldest regulations on the sub- 
ject are all against it. It is an innovation of dangerous 
tendency, and ought to be immediately checked." 

ADVANCING CANDIDATES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 193.) 

" Question. — A., residing at B., takes the degree of 
E. Ap. at C. A few weeks after this a Lodge is organ- 
ized at B., where A. still resides. To this Lodge at B., 
Brother A. applies to be passed and raised. The Mas- 
ter of the Lodge at C. contends that an E. Ap. cannot 
be admitted to the other degrees in another Lodge, with- 
out the permission of the Lodge in which he received 
the first degree ; that that Lodge possesses the sole right 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 31 1 

of conferring them, which it may alienate, if it deems 
proper. If the Master at B. has evidence of Bro. A.'s 
initiation and of his worthiness of character, would he 
transcend any known law or established usage of Ma- 
sonry, by conferring the other degrees without the per- 
mission of the Lodge at C? 

"Answer. — There is no ancient regulation which 
would prohibit a candidate who has been initiated in one 
Lodge from receiving the second and third degrees in an- 
other Lodge. Formerly this was a very common occur- 
rence; and it is so at the present time under the English 
and other foreign jurisdictions. In England a candidate 
cannot, under any circumstances whatever, receive the 
second degree in less than one month from the day of his 
initiation; the Grand Master having no power to dis- 
pense with this regulation. It is imperative and obliga- 
tory. The candidate on his initiation receives a certifi- 
cate from the Lodge and his name is forwarded to the 
Grand Secretary to be registered in the books of the 
Grand Lodge. If he have occasion to leave the coun- 
try, or change his place of residence, within the month, 
he may, at any time thereafter, receive the remaining 
degrees in such Lodge, or Lodges, as shall best suit his 
convenience. But he is required to deposit the full 
amount of fees with his original application, and no part 
thereof is returned to him, if he fail to receive the whole 
of the degrees in proper time, nor if he take the second 
and third elsewhere. His certificate entitles him to all 
the degrees conferred in the Lodge in which he was in- 
itiated. If he cannot conveniently take them in regular 
course, he may receive them at a subsequent period; and 
we are not aware that the time, in this respect, is limited. 
It is manifest from the foregoing, that the Grand Lodge 
of England regards it as at least desirable, that a Brother 



312 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

should receive all the degrees in the Lodge to which he 
is first admitted ; and to this end it secures to the Lodge 
the full amount of fees for them, adding thereto the re- 
gistering fee. But it has no specific regulation prohibit- 
ing an initiate from being passed and raised in another 
Lodge. A variety of practices prevail in this country. 
Under the jurisdiction of some of our Grand Lodges, the 
candidate is proposed and admitted to receive the first 
degree only. If he wish to proceed further, a new ballot 
is required, and, we believe, in some instances, a new 
proposition. Where this practice obtains, it would seem 
that the candidate is under no obligation to receive more 
degrees in any one Lodge, than may suit his inclination. 
His admission to a superior degree is made independent 
of his admission to the prior degrees. The practice in 
Massachusetts, and in New England generally, is diffe- 
rent, in some respects, from the foregoing. In this com- 
monwealth (Massachusetts), the candidate applies at once 
for all the degrees conferred in the Lodge and makes his 
deposit accordingly. One ballot is taken. This admits 
him to the three degrees, which he may receive in three 
consecutive months; if, in the meantime, nothing shall 
transpire to disqualify him for advancement. Should oc- 
casion require his removal from the state, prior to the ex- 
piration of the constitutional time prescribed for confer- 
ring the degrees, the Master will usually obtain a dis- 
pensation and call a special meeting of the Lodge, for 
his convenience. If there be not time for this, a jast 
proportion of the deposit is returned to him, accompanied 
with a recommendation from the Master and Wardens 
in accordance with the following constitutional provi- 
sion: 'No Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft, initiated 
or passed in any Lodge within the United States, shall 
be passed or raised in any Lodge under this jurisdiction, 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 313 

without the consent of the Master and Wardens of the 
Lodge in which he was first admitted or a dispensation 
from the Grand Master.' 

"Such is the practice in Massachusetts. Under it, a 
candidate is admitted by a single ballot to the three de- 
grees, and he is required to take the second and third de- 
grees in the Lodge in which he was initiated, unless the 
Master and Wardens grant him permission to receive 
them elsewhere. We believe this to be the safest and 
most conservative practice. 

"In the case presented by our correspondent, if there 
be no local Grand Lodge regulation to the contrary, the 
Lodge at B. may receive A. without violating any gene- 
ral law of the Order ; but it is not always either wise or 
proper to do that which is not clearly contrary to estab- 
lished law." 

ADDRESS OF GRAND MASTER OF MICHIGAN. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 37b'.) 

"Another evil which is doing mischief to the Order, is 
the custom among some of our Lodges of conferring 
subsequent degrees before the candidate has made suita- 
ble proficiency in the preceding. It is not unfrequent 
that the three degrees are conferred in quick succession, 
with simply the ceremony, not so much as giving the 
lectures in open Lodge. Such a course is, in my judg- 
ment, unconstitutional, and an actual fraud upon the 
candidate. 

"Some of our subordinate Lodges have established 
two regular monthly meetings, and some have gone so 
far as to assemble on the day of the regular, and adjourn 
to another day, and call this adjourned day a regular 
meeting, and allow ballotings for candidates, and all 

other business of a regular meeting to be done on the 

27 



314 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

adjourned day. The latter practice is a violation of the 
spirit of our constitution." 

BY THE GRAND LODGE OF MICHIGAN. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 377.) 

"Resolved, That the conferring a degree on a can- 
didate before he has made the suitable proficiency in the 
preceding degrees, or at least, has been instructed in all 
the lectures of the preceding degrees, is a fraud upon the 
candidate, and a violation of the principles and constitu- 
tions of Masonry." 

RECOURSE OF CANDIDATE REJECTED ON ADVANCEMENT. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 353-357.) 

" We are not aware of the existence of any regulation 
in the constitutions of Masonry, that requires a candi- 
date who has been once rejected, to remain one year 
before he can again be proposed for initiation. Nor 
has such a practice the sanction of general usage. 
Wherever it exists, it is by virtue of a particular Grand 
Lodge regulation or local usage among the Lodges, and 
is inoperative beyond the jurisdiction within which, it is 
thus sanctioned. Indeed, unless required by a specific 
regulation it can never be but partially operative within 
any jurisdiction: for a local usage is binding only on 
the Lodges that adopt it. It is not competent for a por- 
tion of the Lodges within a given limit to adopt a prac- 
tice, not required by the regulations of the Grand Lodge 
nor by the constitutions of Masonry, and then demand 
that the remaining Lodges shall conform to it. 

"If the former have the right to adopt, the latter have 
the same right to reject, whatever is not positively re- 
quired by the local or general constitutions, or established 
usages of Masonry. In this respect the Lodges are free 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 315 

to judge for themselves, and to decide each for itself, 
until the Grand Lodge has passed upon the subject. 

"There is so great diversity in the practice of ballot- 
ing for candidates in the Lodges in different parts of the 
country, that any general rule must fail in its application. 
The usual practice in this state requires but a single pe- 
tition and a single ballot for the three degrees : and 
supposes that the candidate will come forward and 
receive the degrees at the earliest opportunity afforded 
him. If, however, after having received the first degree, 
he fail to present himself within a reasonable time, to 
receive the second and third degrees, the Lodge will 
usually refer the matter to a committee, as in the case of 
an original petition. A ballot on advancement to a 
higher degree, is not deemed necessary, because it is 
always competent for any member of the Lodge or any 
Brother present, to object, if he have cause, in any stage 
of the proceedings. But in this case, the objector is re- 
quired to state his objections, openly before the Lodge, 
or he may do it privately to the Master, who will com- 
municate them to his Wardens, and to the Lodge if they 
should deem them to be of sufficient importance. Under 
this practice, a difficulty like that stated by our corre- 
spondent, cannot arise; neither can the candidate, from 
prejudice, or any other cause, be improperly deterred in 
his advancement. 

" Another practice which prevails extensively, and did 
formerly, universally, in this part of the country, requires 
that in advancing the candidate to a higher degree, a vote 
or ballot shall be taken on the question of his proficiency 
in the preceding degree. Where this rule is in force, 
the candidate is required to pass an examination in open 
Lodge. He then withdraws, and the ballot or vote is 
taken on his proficiency. If this be in his favor, he is 



316 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

advanced. If otherwise, his advancement is delayed for 
another month. This is the general practice at the pre- 
sent time, in all the English Lodges, and it is undoubt- 
edly the most ancient and correct practice. The extent 
of the examination, and the standard of proficiency, are 
fixed, in England, by the Grand Lodge. 

"This may be termed the third practice, and if we 
understand it correctly, it requires that the candidate 
shall petition for each degree as he may wish to receive 
it : and that the ballot shall be taken on each petition 
separately. If this be so, the petition and ballot for each 
degree, stand by themselves, wholly irrespective and in- 
dependent alike of what may have preceded, and may 
follow. Admission to the first degree, gives no claim to 
admission to the second. It simply prepares, it does not 
guarantee. We do not, therefore, see that any distinc- 
tion can be made in the principles on which the ballot- 
ings are conducted, in reference to either of the petitions. 
They are respectively placed on a distinct and indepen- 
dent footing, each is subject to its own action. A rejection, 
therefore, in either case, must 'rest on the same grounds,' 
and the 6 recourse' in each case is the same. Our corre- 
spondent asks what is the ' recourse ' inthe second case, that 
is, on the second ballot? We answer, what it would be 
in the first case. A petitioner applies for the first degree 
and is rejected, what is his recourse ? Another petitioner 
applies for the second degree and is rejected, what is his 
* recourse'? A third applies for the R. A. degree and is 
rejected, what is his 'recourse'? It seems to us that un- 
der the practice, as stated by our correspondent, these 
ballotings all rest on the same basis, and are subjected to 
the same regulations. They are all independent of each 
other, but have in view the same general purpose, namely, 
the advancement of the candidate to a higher degree. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 317 

" In this view of the case we cannot see but that the 
recourse would be the same, whether his petition were 
rejected in the Lodge or in the Chapter. If he has no 
remedy in the Chapter, he has none in the Lodge ; for 
the Chapter is not more independent of the Lodge, than, 
under this practice, the Lodge degrees are independent 
of each other. ****** 

"We cannot admit that the rejection of a candidate 
for the second degree implies ' Masonic censure,' because 
it may arise from prejudice or other improper motive ; 
nor does it deprive him of any privilege, to which, as a 
Mason, he was before entitled. If the rejected candidate 
feel himself aggrieved and unjustly dealt by, he may ap- 
peal to the good sense and justice of the Lodge, and ask 
for an investigation. But he may not demand this, nor 
may the Lodge order it, because it has no means of as- 
certaining by whom, or for what reasons, the negative 
ballots were cast, unless the Brethren casting them vol- 
untarily avow the act. This, we suppose, they would 
generally do, if not in the presence of the whole Lodge, 
in the presence of a committee, and under the sanction 
of privacy. The objections, if ill-founded, might in 
this way, probably, be removed. We know of no other 
method by which the matter can be reached. 

"We concur in the opinion of our correspondent, 
that, 'it would be but acting in strict conformity with 
the principles of the Order, for the opposing members 
to make their objections known, in the form of specific 
charges,' if the objections are of so serious a character 
that they would result in expulsion, if proved. But 
there may be sound and sufficient objections why a can- 
didate should not be advanced at the present time, and 
yet wholly insufficient to warrant his expulsion from 
Masonry: such objections as admonition and time 



318 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

might entirely remove. In this case, it would hardly be 
consistent with the principles of the Order, to prefer 
charges against him. 

ADVANCING, AFTER CHARGE OF UNWORTHINESS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 101.) 

" Question? — I have been told that a Fellowcraft was 
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, after the 
Worshipful Master was informed that the said Fellow- 
craft was not a correct man. The Worshipful Master 
urged, that he knew not the informer to be a Master Ma- 
son. On the contrary it was urged, it mattered not. It 
was the duty of the Master to inquire into the facts al- 
leged, as they were expressed, and could have been easily 
and readily disproved or proved. Do you not think that 
any Brother who hears anything that would debar a Bro- 
ther of an inferior degree, from advancing, should make 
due inquiry as to the truth, just as much as if the petitioner 
had never advanced, and that it should be done in all 
cases, from an E. A., up to the highest degree? 

" Answer.-— We think just as our correspondent thinks 
and writes on this point. It matters not what progress 
the candidate had made, nor from what source the infor- 
mation was derived, if it were credible the Master was 
bound to respect it, and to delay the work until the ne- 
cessary investigation could have been made. It is not 
easy to conceive of any circumstances which would jus- 
tify the admission or advancement of an unworthy can- 
didate. We apprehend there is too much looseness in 
some of our Lodges in this regard, and that applicants 
are sometimes admitted on insufficient testimony. 

" A Brother cannot inflict a greater injury on the insti- 
tution than to propose, nor a Lodge, than to initiate an un- 
worthy man. The past furnishes a severe lesson on this 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 319 

subject, a lesson written in letters of fire amid the flames 
of persecution: and it would be well, if it were often 
read, that both Masters and members might profit by its 
admonition." 

REJECTION ON ADVANCEMENT. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 214.) 

"A man had been initiated and passed to the degree 
of Fellowcraft, and upon application for the third degree 
was rejected. 

" Query. — Can he take the degree in any Lodge with- 
out the unanimous consent of this Lodge? 

"'Until after twelve months, can he be balloted for in 
this? If so, please state to us, what he can, and what 
he cannot do in this matter.' 

"To which I answered, in substance, that a rejection 
upon a ballot for a degree, did not amount to a suspen- 
sion or expulsion from the Lodge ; nor did it divest the 
applicant of the rights, privileges, or benefits of the de- 
grees which he might have taken; that if he was rejected 
for want of skill, whenever he perfected himself in the 
degree or degrees he had taken, he had a right to demand 
and receive a higher degree, unless there were other ob- 
jections ; in that case, the objections should be embodied 
in the form of charges, to which he should be required 
to answer. 

" I also decided that it would be highly improper for 
another Lodge to confer the degrees without the consent 
of the Lodge which had rejected him." 

SUSPENSION OF BY-LAWS. (VIRGINIA.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, page 165.) 

" Question 9 — Has a Lodge the right to suspend its 
by-laws for the purpose of acting on any particular ques- 
tion? 



320 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

'•The decision of the Grand Lodge was in the nega- 
tive: and it was undoubtedly correct.— (Ed. Masonic 
Magazine.) 

"Were it permitted to Lodges to suspend their by- 
laws at pleasure, those laws would afford little security, 
either to themselves or to the Grand Lodge. A majority 
o£ the members present, would be able, at any thinly at- 
tended meeting, to carry measures which might destroy 
the harmony, or materially injure the prospects of the 
Lodge. The power to suspend, would, for all practical 
purposes be equivalent to the power to alter or amend. 
By it, a small minority might be enabled to effect results 
which would not have been sanctioned by the majority, 
Such a power is dangerous. We have heard its exist- 
ence contended for, but never knew it to be admitted in 
any Masonic Body. The parliamentary rule does not 
furnish an analogous case. 

" The second question on which the decision of the 
Grand Lodge was asked, was the following: 

'•'Has a subordinate Lodge the right, without the con- 
sent of the Grand Lodge, to initiate a candidate who 
has been initiated in a spurious Lodge? 

'•The question was. of course, decided in the affirma- 
tive. It can be no fault o^ the applicant, that he was 
imposed upon by spurious Masons. It is rather his mis- 
fortune : and it is honorable in him. that he is desirous 
of forsaking his evil associates, of repudiating error, and 
seeking truth. But suppose he entered the spurious 
Lodge, knowing it to be such. He did so at his own 
cost, the regulations of Masonry do not reach him, more 
than the members of any other society. If. after he has 
been admitted to a regular Lodge, he still continues his' 
connection with the spurious body, the Lodge has its 
remedv.*' 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS* ETC. 321 



CANDIDATES FAILING TO APPLY FOR DEGREES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 165.) 

" Question? — Please inform me, or the Fraternity, 
what course should be pursued in the case of a Brother 
who has been duly initiated as an Entered Apprentice, 
and proposed for Fellowcraft, balloted for and found 
worthy, but subsequently his conduct is unworthy a 
Mason, and he does not appear to avail himself of the 
ballot for the Fellowcraft's degree, and nearly two years 
have elapsed since that ballot. Is it the proper course 
to reconsider that ballot? 

" Answer. — The ballot for the second degree is null 
and void, the candidate not having come forward in due 
season to avail himself of it. The rule, as to time, in 
such cases, is not very definitely settled ; we think it 
should never exceed three months, and then a satisfactory 
reason for the delay should be required. In the present 
case, the candidate having been found unworthy, could 
not at any time avail himself of the ballot, though there 
were no other restriction. On the contrary, it is a ques- 
tion for the Lodge to consider, whether it is not its duty 
to investigate the imputations resting upon his character, 
and deal with him as the result may warrant." 

CONFERRING DEGREES TWO OR MORE ON A CANDIDATE 

ON THE SAME DAY EXTRACT, ETC., NEW YORK. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 26.) 

" It has been by no means uncommon (notwithstand- 
ing the decision of this body declaring it to be irregular), 
for a Lodge to confer at the same meeting, two of the 
three degrees of Masonry, and without a dispensation. 
This appears to be the result of ignorance which exists 



322 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

among the Brethren in relation to the regulations of the 
Grand Lodge, and shows in strong colors, the necessity 
of the publication of the proceedings of this body, at its 
annual communications, being widely disseminated and 
read in the subordinate Lodges, for the information of 
the members, and it should be the province and duty of 
all the Brethren who are cognizant of such errors, to re- 
port the same to the Grand Officers, that proper action 
might be had on the matter. Every Lodge knowingly 
offending, should receive from the proper authority, a 
suitable rebuke, if not lose its charter." 

OUT OF JURISDICTION. EXTRACT MARYLAND. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 382.) 

"The practice is exceedingly reprehensible, and ought 
to be discontinued. In the first place, if the applicant 
be worthy of the distinction, that fact can nowhere be so 
well known as at the place of his permanent abode ; and 
in the next place, the Brethren at the place where the 
new Mason is to enjoy this special privilege, should cer- 
tainly be consulted, whether they are willing to accept 
him as an associate, whilst they are also entitled to the 
emoluments arising from the conferring of the de- 
grees." 

ALABAMA. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 161.) 

"That any person residing within the jurisdiction of 
this Grand Lodge, who has already, or shall hereafter 
travel into any foreign jurisdiction, and there receive the 
degrees of Masonry, such person shall not be entitled to 
any of the rights, benefits, and privileges of Masonry 
within this jurisdiction, until he shall have been regu- 
larly admitted a member of the subordinate Lodge within 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 323 

this jurisdiction nearest which he at the time resides, in 
the manner now provided by the constitution of this 
Grand Lodge, for the admission of members." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 163.) 

"Resolved, That no subordinate Lodge within the 
jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall confer any one 
or more of the Masonic degrees upon a transient person, 
whose place of residence is in a foreign Masonic juris- 
diction, without first consulting and obtaining the unani- 
mous approbation of the Lodge nearest which such 
person may reside at the time." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 188.) 

"Resolved, That whenever any person whose moral 
standing would entitle him to be made a Mason, shall 
travel out of the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and 
be initiated, passed, and raised, it shall be held and con- 
sidered an offense against jurisdiction only, and shall be 
so acted on ; but it shall not deprive such person, so ini- 
tiated, passed and raised, of any of the rights and privi- 
leges of Masonry. Provided, That this resolution be 
not so construed as to enjoin it upon a subordinate Lodge 
to receive as a member, a Mason so made, in any other 
way than is now provided in Art. 4, Sect. 7, of the Con- 
stitution of this Grand Lodge." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 63.) 

" Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, 
it is unmasonic for any subordinate Lodge within the 
United States, to initiate, pass, or raise a citizen from 
any other state, without ascertaining from the Grand 
Secretary of the state of such applicant's residence, 
whether he has there applied for initiation." 



324 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 348.) 

" Resolved, That no Lodge working under the author- 
ity of this Grand Lodge, be allowed to admit a candidate 
applying from another jurisdiction, either within this or 
any other state, and whether he be rejected or not, with- 
out first obtaining the consent of such nearer Lodge, or 
from the Grand Lodge of the state from which he hails." 

CFrom the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 384.) 

"The Grand Lodge of Connecticut resolved, as early 
as 1803, ' That no Lodge within its jurisdiction, should 
initiate a person not an inhabitant of that state, unless he 
had resided at least twelve months within the state, and 
in the vicinity of the Lodge so initiating." 

MARYLAND. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 61.) 

" Eesolved, That no Lodge under the jurisdiction of 
this Grand Lodge, shall initiate, pass, or raise any can- 
didate from another jurisdiction, until he has been a re- 
sident here for more than twelve months, without making 
due inquiry as to his character and standing at the place 
where he last resided, without the recommendation of the 
Lodge within whose jurisdiction he may have been, un- 
less by dispensation from the Grand Master." 

EXTRACT. REPORT, ETC. 

(From the Masonic Magaziae, Vol. V, page 62.) 

"They notice complaints in several of the communi- 
cations before them, of invasion and infraction of rights 
by initiations of individuals from other states, and 
Lodges of the same state: they might add to the list, the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 325 

case of a resident of this city, who was made a Mason 
in Charleston, South Carolina, while on a visit there. 
They name this, not as a special grievance, but state it 
to show general wrong. Harmony is essential to the 
well being and prosperity of our institution, and it cannot 
be but that complaints, when well founded, will destroy 
this essential constituent of Masonry. Every Masonic 
Act should tend to strengthen the bands of brotherly love, 
and have this for its primary object. Should the practi- 
ces above named, be countenanced or passed over with- 
out notice, they will be continued ; ill feeling will be 
engendered, instead of brotherly love : discord and jea- 
lousy, and distrust, will take the place of peace and 
amity ; harmony will be unknown among us, for want 
of wisdom ; strength and beauty will leave our walls to 
be replaced by chaos. 

"It becomes us to practice the precepts taught us by 
the Square, the Level and the Plumb; to guard in all 
kindness, yet firmly, our own rights, and at the same 
time the rights of our Brethren.. We should not invade 
their territory, nor they ours. The several Grand Lodges, 
as the conservitors of the rights and privileges of 
their subordinate Lodges, should act energetically and 
decidedly in this matter." 

NORTH CAROLINA.. EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF GRAND 

MASTER. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. V, page 219.) 

" During last year, a formal complaint was made to 
me by St. John's Lodge, No. 1, against Hiram Lodge, 
No. 93, for violation of a resolution of the Grand .Lodge, 
adopted in December, 1828, declaring it irregular for 
any Lodge to receive a candidate who had been rejected, 
or who resided nearer another Lodge. Uncontrollable 



326 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

circumstances prevented my visiting Hiram Lodge, as I 
had intended, with a view of investigating the matter. 
There could have been no palliation for the offense, es- 
pecially as it was committed by brethren of acknowledged 
respectability and intelligence. It was intimated to me 
6 that a strong petition in favor of the rejected individual, 
signed by members belonging to the injured Lodge, had 
been the cause of his obtaining the degrees in Clinton.' 
But the whole proceeding was irregular and reprehensi- 
ble; and both the Lodge, and those signing the petition, 
were rendered liable to suspension. A sense of duty 
alone, has prompted me to bring this unpleasant affair 
before the Grand Lodge. And I would suggest, merely, 
that it provide by decided enactment, against future trans- 
gressions, and that Hiram Lodge be required to pay over 
to the complaining Lodge, the fees received," 

MISSOURI. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. Ill, page 120.) 

"Whereas, this Grand Lodge has received information 
that certain subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction 
of sister Grand Lodges, have initiated, and are in the 
habit of conferring degrees of Masonry, upon citizens of 
other states, within each of which there is a Grand 
Lodge. 

" Eesolved, therefore, That this Grand Lodge consid- 
ers the foregoing practice, at once opposed to the true 
Masonic practice, and principle, injurious and hurtful to 
the Fraternity within whose jurisdiction the individual 
resides, and calculated to thrust upon them, as Brothers, 
undeserving and designing persons, who could not, at 
their residence, obtain these honors. 

"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge earnestly solicit 
from the several Grand Lodges of the United States, 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 327 

such action as may preclude said practice by their subor- 
dinate Lodges, in future." 

JURISDICTION OF GRAND LODGE. EXTRACT REPORT. 

(lOWA.) 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 156.) 

" We may be asked how far does the jurisdiction of 
this Grand Lodge extend, and within what limits is it 
confined? We answer unhesitatingly, that the Grand 
Lodge of Iowa has exclusive jurisdiction within the 
boundaries of the State of Iowa, and joint jurisdiction 
with other Grand Lodges, over states, territories, and 
countries where there is no Grand Lodge. Thus far we 
go, and no farther, with safety to ourselves and without 
trespassing upon the rights of other Grand Lodges. 

" The report is right."— (Ed. M. Mag.) 

OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. (MICHIGAN.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 378.) 

"Resolved, That the term 6 accredited jurisdiction' as 
used in Art. 5, Sec. 5, of the constitution of this Grand 
Lodge, be, and the same is hereby construed and 
determined to mean the geographical center between all 
contiguous Lodges." 

GRAND LODGE OF MAINE. JURISDICTION. 

(From the Masonic Review, Vol. V, page 113.) 

"A case involving the question of jurisdiction came 
up, in a communication from Eastern Lodge, No. 7, in- 
closing its action in reference to Hibernia Lodge, No. 
318, St. Andrews, N. B. Two individuals residing in 
Eastport, within the jurisdiction of Eastern Lodge, had 
made application to, and been rejected by, that Lodge. 
Subsequently, and while still residing within the juris- 



328 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE.' 

diction of Eastern Lodge, they went to St. Andrews, N. 
B., applied to, and were received and initiated by Hiber- 
nia Lodge, located in that town. This was done by 
Hibernia Lodge, knowing that the applicants resided 
within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, and without 
even so much as asking permission of said Lodge, or 
making inquiry of it as to their qualifications. Under 
this state of things, Eastern Lodge, No. 7, resolved that 
they would not * fraternize with Masons so made, nor 
fellowship with a Lodge that so forgets its duties and 
obligations.' This decision was sent up to the Grand 
Lodge for its approval or disapproval. The case went 
to a committee, who reported, among other things, that 
they 'cannot believe that Eastern Lodge is required, un- 
der such circumstances, to recognize as regular members 
of the fraternity, those who have knowingly violated one 
of the most important and necessary rules of Masonry 
to obtain its benefits. c The decision, we think, a very 
just one.'" — (Ed. Review.) 

EXTRACT -REPORT OF COMMITTEE. (VIRGINIA.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 349; Vol. V, page 222.) 

"Nor can your committee admit the soundness of the 
decision (by the Grand Lodge of Maryland), ' That if 
any individual from selfish motives, from distrust of his 
acceptance, or other causes originating in himself, know- 
ingly and willfully travel into another jurisdiction, and 
there receive the Masonic degrees, he shall be considered 
and held as a clandestine made Mason ! ' 

" Every person who enters the Masonic Institution, at 
home or abroad, is presumed to do so knowingly and 
willfully. If, therefore, the Lodge into which he has 
been admitted is a regular Lodge, can he, under any cir- 
cumstances, be held as a 'clandestine made Mason,' in 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 329 

the legal Masonic meaning of that term? To constitute 
a clandestine made Mason, the subject must have been 
made in a clandestine Lodge ; that is, a Lodge working 
without a regular Charter, or in a place beyond the legal 
jurisdiction of its Charter. Even this last, as to place, 
may admit of dispute. If the Lodge have a regular 
Charter, it may amount only to a misdemeanor, which 
will not entirely vitiate the legality of its acts. In any 
case, it is not the act of the subject, but the character of 
the body, which fixes the legal disability. According to 
old Masonic customs, if a Lodge invade the jurisdic- 
tion of another, the offense should be punished ; but the 
person on whom they have conferred the degrees, can be 
excluded from Masonic fellowship only for his own un- 
worthiness, after due trial and opportunity for defense. 
Any other course is extrajudicial, so far as Masonic law 
is concerned. The only corrective of the evil com- 
plained of, is to be found in the legislation of the several 
Grand Lodges, and the enforcement of a proper attention 
to jurisdictional limits by their subordinates." 

INITIATING CLANDESTINE MASONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 69.) 

" Question 9 — Is it proper and right to regularly initi- 
ate, pass, and raise, in a regular Lodge, a man who has 
been made a Mason in a clandestine Lodge ? 

"Answer. — It is undoubtedly proper, all other things 
being in conformity with the regulations. The circum- 
stance that a person has been deceived into a clandestine 
Lodge, and thus defrauded of his money, does not mili- 
tate against his moral character, nor can it properly be 
urged as a bar to his admission for initiation in a regular 
Lodge : for this would be to punish him for an offense 
of which he is innocent. The wrong was not committed 
28 



BHBBHHMB 



330 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

by him, but by the parties deceiving him. Such cases 
are not of unfrequent occurrence. The history of the 
Institution for the last hundred years is replete with 
them : and it was with a view to meet these cases, that 
the process technically termed healing, was introduced. 
The process consists of either entire or partial initiation, 
as the Lodge, under the circumstances, may determine. 

" A gentleman who has been deceived in this way, 
and on discovering the deception, comes forward and asks 
to be admitted in a lawful manner, brings with him in 
the act itself, if voluntary, a high guaranty of his hon- 
esty of purpose : and if his character in ail other respects 
be acceptable, it would be not only proper, but entirely 
Masonic to admit him." 

TEST FOR APPLICANTS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 321.) 

" There was an old and well established custom de- 
signed expressly to meet the case stated, but which we 
fear is not generally observed by our southern Brethren. 
We allude to the application of a test similar to that re- 
quired of visitors, to ascertain whether the applicant has 
ever before offered himself for initiation, and whether he 
has ever been rejected by any Lodge. Let this old regula- 
tion be observed, and the necessity of any new one, and 
of publication, will be obviated." 

EMERGENCY. (ALABAMA.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 157.) 

" The following is just and proper, and we are pleased 
to see the matter so well and correctly defined." — (Ed. 
M. Mag.) 

" e Resolved by this Grand Lodge, That subordinate 
Lodges, in declaring cases emergent, when application is 
made for initiation, passing and raising, should be ex- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 331 

tremely guarded ; and that in the opinion of this Grand 
Lodge, nothing but a contemplated journey of some con- 
siderable distance, and absence for some length of time, 
or the presence of any of the Grand Officers wishing to 
exemplify the work, or cases similar to these, should con- 
stitute a case of emergency.' •' 

CAPITATION TAX. REMARKS OF EDITOR OF MASONIC 

MAGAZINE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 321.) 

"Our opinion is, that taxing non-affiliated or demitted 
members, and the attempt to enforce the payment of the 
tax, by expulsion or other stringent measures, are pro- 
ceedings not warranted by ancient Masonic law or usage. 
It is a policy peculiar to our own country, and to our 
own times. It is new in principle, and we believe will 
prove to be inoperative, if not mischievous in practice, 
if persisted in. It is at present limited to a few Grand 
Lodges ; and we are sanguine in the belief, that it can 
never become a popular or general measure, because of 
its impracticability, not to say injustice. 

" It would, in our opinion, be wise to abandon it while 
it may yet be done without compromise of principle or 
authority. It is not well to multiply compulsory regu- 
lations beyond necessity. They are incompatible with 
the spirit of voluntary associations, and with the repub- 
lican predilections of our people. If a Brother desire 
to leave us, bid him farewell, and let him depart in 
peace. An unwilling servant is generally an unfaithful 
one. 6 A Brother offended, is harder to be won than a 
strong city.' 

" Question 1st. — Have demitted members any right to 
hold us, as Lodges, or as a Fraternity, under charitable 
or pecuniary obligations to them ? 



332 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

" Question 2d. — Shall we be required or expected to 
pay them funeral honors, admit them into our processions 
or assume the paternity of their orphans ? 

" Answer 1st — Brethren who have never been, or 
who have ceased to be affiliated, most certainly have not 
the same claims upon the Lodges that are conceded to 
contributing members. It is not equitable that they 
should have. They contribute nothing to the charity 
fund, neither do they bear any portion of the labors or 
responsibilities of the Lodge. They are members of 
the Masonic family, and as such, are invested with cer- 
tain general privileges, which, until forfeited, they have 
an irrevocable right to exercise, and enjoy, irrespective 
of their connection, or otherwise, with any private 
Lodge. These privileges, however, do not extend to an 
unqualified participation in the local, pecuniary, or social 
advantages of the Lodge. Such Brethren have not a 
good claim upon the charity fund of the Lodges , Nei- 
ther have they upon the general charity fund of the 
Grand Lodge. As early as 1725, at the adoption of the 
regulation for the government of the general charity fund 
of the Fraternity in England, it was decreed, 'That no 
Brother be recommended by any Lodge as an object of 
charity, but who was a member of some regular Lodge, 
which shall contribute to the same* charity on or before 
the 21st day of Nov., 1724, when the general charity 
was first proposed in Grand Lodge,' and 'that no Bro- 
ther who has been admitted a member of any such 
Lodge since that time, or shall hereafter be so admitted ? 
be recommended until three years after such admission.' 
Thus clearly defining and establishing the just and equi- 
table principle, that he who has contributed nothing to 
the general charity fund shall not draw .anything from it, 
or in other words, that the drone shall not consume the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 333 

honey, accumulated through the industry of the working 
bees, for their own nourishment and support, when their 
season of flowers has passed away. And this principle 
is still retained and enforced by our English Brethren, 
except in 'cases of shipwreck or capture at sea, loss by 
fire, or breaking or dislocating a limb.' And excepting, 
also, Brethren under the constitution of foreign Grand 
Lodges who shall produce ' sufficient certificates and 
other testimonials' of their identity and distress. But 
suppose a demitted Brother has been a contributing mem- 
ber of a Lodge for three or more years, he will then 
have, unquestionably, some claim upon the charity funds 
of the Lodge, should he fall into distress : but it is com- 
petent for the Lodge to determine the extent of his claim 
when presented ; he has also a general claim upon his 
Brethren individually, which they will ever be ready to 
answer, so far as they can do it without injury to them- 
selves or families. 

" Answer 2d. — To the three points embraced in the 
second inquiry, we answer: 

"1st. Non-affiliated Brethren are not entitled to Ma- 
sonic funeral honors. 

"2d. They may claim the right to join in public pro- 
cessions on the festival days of the Fraternity, but not on 
local occasions, when the procession is limited to the 
members of a private Lodge, and their invited Brethren. 

"3d. The orphan has the same relative claims upon 
the Lodge and Fraternity, that was invested in the pa- 
rent." 

ON MEMBERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 101.) 

"We hold that a Grand Lodge possesses the power 
to impose a reasonable capitation annual tax on all mem- 
bers of Lodges within its jurisdiction. We hold, also, 



334 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

that it has the power to refuse admission to its subordi- 
nate Lodges, to all Brethren residing within its jurisdic- 
tion, who refuse or neglect to enroll themselves as mem- 
bers of Lodges and thus withhold their contributions 
and personal services from the support and charities of 
the institution." 

TAX ON VISITORS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. Ill, page 225-227.) 

" Question 9 1st. Is it not the inherent right of all 
Masons in good standing, to visit any Lodge of his own 
degree, as often as he thinks proper,- and wherever it 
may be found, freely and without hindrance? 

"2d. Is it consistent with the rights of a Mason in 
good standing, for a Lodge to obstruct his privilege of 
visitation, by imposing upon him a tax for each visit, 
when he is not a member of the Lodge to which he 
seeks admittance? 

"Answer — In the old constitutions it is laid down as 
a rule that 'every Brother should belong to some regular 
Lodge.' On this basis, the Grand Lodge of England 
has predicated the following regulation : 

" ' A Brother who is not a subscribing member to some 
Lodge shall not be permitted to visit any one Lodge in 
the town or place where he resides, more than once du- 
ring his secession from the Craft.' 

"If the principle here advanced, be correct, the right 
to visit cannot be regarded as an inherent right, because 
it has only a conditional, not an innate existence. It is 
on the contrary, a conventional right. The terms on 
which it may be enjoyed are dictated by the Grand 
Lodge. These being complied with, it exists by cour- 
tesy and usage, if not by statute, in full and entire force. 
It may be said, that the Lodges having a constitutional 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 335 

right to make regulations for their own government, may 
lawfully prescribe to themselves the conditions on which 
they will receive visitors. But the regulations of a pri- 
vate Lodge must not conflict with those of the Grand 
Lodge from which it derives its existence and all its au- 
thority. Subordinate Lodges possess no original powers, 
nor are they at liberty to arrogate to themselves the ex- 
ercise of those which are exclusively vested in the parent 
body. 

" It would seem, therefore, that unless the Grand Lodge 
has imposed restrictions and stipulated the conditions on 
which alone Brethren residing within its jurisdiction 
may visit the Lodges under its immediate control, the 
right to visit, as to ' all Masons in good standing,' is 
'free and without hindrance. 5 On the contrary, if the 
Grand Lodge in its wisdom has thought proper to restrict 
the right, it is obligatory on the Lodges to enforce the 
terms of the restriction. 

" We find in the constitution (of England) the follow- 
ing corresponding regulation: 

"'No visitor shall be admitted into a Lodge unless he 
be personally known, recommended, or well-vouched for, 
after due examination by one of the Brethren present.' 

"Had the right to visit been regarded as an inherent 
right, it is not to be presumed that the Grand Lodge of 
England would have deemed it expedient to restrict and re- 
gulate it by fixed laws. The restriction, however, is lim- 
ited. A non-affiliated Brother is not allowed to visit the 
same Lodge in a town or city where he resides more 
than once ; but he may visit Lodges in other places as 
often as shall meet his convenience or inclination. This 
places him on a footing with those ' strange Fellowes,' 
who anciently 'came over the countrie.' And, thus, 
while the new retains the spirit of the old regulations, it 



336 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

charitably supposes that the visiting Brother does c worke ' 
when at home 'as the manner is.' The principle in- 
volved in the regulation is, that if a Brother would share 
the privileges and participate in the pleasures of the 
Lodge, he should contribute equally with his fellows to 
its support. Were it otherwise, the burden would be un- 
equal. Members of Lodges are generally required to 
pay an annual tax for the support of the Lodge to which 
they belong, and frequently an additional tax for the 
maintenance of the Grand Lodge or the Charity Fund. 
They are, likewise, required to be regular in their attend- 
ance at Lodge meetings ; and when the calls of charity 
are to be answered, when a sick Brother is to be relieved, 
his remains returned to the earth, his children provided 
for, or the wants of his widow supplied, — it is the mem- 
bers, and not the visitors of a Lodge, on whom these du- 
ties devolve. The latter, therefore, enjoy all the privi- 
leges and reap all the advantages, while the former 
perform all the duties and bear all the burdens of the In- 
stitution. This is wrong in principle, and therefore not 
right in Masonry." 

ADMISSION OF VISITORS. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 204.) 

" c Question. — When a Master Mason vouches for a 
visiting Brother, should the test be applied, before said 
visiting Brother can be admitted to a seat in the Lodge?' 

"A?istver — When a Master Mason vouches for a vis- 
iting Brother, no other 'test' or examination need be 
gone into. Such voucher, however, should only be taken 
when the Brother has actually sat in a Lodge with the 
visitor. If this has not been the case, an examination 
should be gone into by a committee properly appointed. 
Any other practice will lead to a loose way of doing 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 337 

business, and the Lodge be liable to imposition. In 
this matter much care should be exercised in admitting 
strangers, and none but those who prove themselves 
worthy should be received. 

" The practice in this city is, to take the avouchment 
of no one, unless he has met the person vouched for in 
'open Lodge." 

VISITOR MAY BE REFUSED ADMITTANCE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 227.) 

" Our Lodge has thought proper, under peculiar cir- 
cumstances, to pass the following resolution : 

"Resolved, That each subordinate Lodge has the right 
to refuse admission to any visiting Brother who is at 
open enmity with one of its members. 

" Question Now, has a Lodge the right to pass and 

enforce such a resolution, or can a visiting Brother go 
into any strange Lodge except by the unanimous consent 
of ' its members ? Our Grand Lodge has clearly recog- 
nized such a doctrine in one of its by-laws, and it seems 
to result from the very nature of the Institution. And 
if a Lodge cannot exercise such a right, it may be im- 
posed upon to a great extent and made to receive a strange 
or visiting Brother into the Lodge, and thereby indorse 
the character and standing of a Brother whom they 
might regard as anything but worthy, or who was ready, 
perhaps, to plunge a dagger into the heart of one of its 
most worthy members. 

" Answer. — The Lodge has an unquestionable right to 
refuse admission to an unworthy or turbulent Brother, 
whose presence they have reasonable grounds to believe 
might disturb the peace and harmony of the proceedings. 
But it does not follow, nor is the Lodge at liberty to as- 
sume, that because there is an 'open enmity' between a 



338 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

visitor and a member, the former must necessarily be in 
the wrong. In such a case, the true and Masonic course 
would be for the' Lodge to institute, through a commit- 
tee, an inquiry and investigation, with a view to a recon 
ciliation. If the latter were found to be impracticable, 
from the perverseness of either party, the Lodge would, 
at least, be enabled to act understandingly and to impose" 
such restrictions, prohibitions, or penalties as in the ex- 
ercise of a sound judgment the nature of the case might 
warrant and justice demand. We hold that it is compe- 
tent for a Grand Lodge to regulate and restrict the right 
of visiting as to the Lodges and Brethren within its own 
jurisdiction. But 'every Mason,' says one of the an- 
cient black-letter charges of the Order, is to 'receive and 
cherish strange fellowes when they come over the coun- 
tries That is to say, a Brother, coming from a foreign 
jurisdiction, having sufficient skill to prove himself, and 
bearing the certificate of a foreign Grand Lodge, may 
rightfully claim the privilege of visiting, without let or 
hindrance, during the hours in which the Lodge is actu- 
ally engaged in work. No Lodge is obliged, under any 
circumstances whatever, to admit a visitor while engaged 
in the transaction of its local or private business." 

CHARGES FOR MISCONDUCT. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 324.) 

" It is always desirable that charges should be preferred 

by a member, rather than by the Master of a Lodge 

But, in this respect, the Master and members stand on a 
common level. What is the duty of the one is the duty 
of the other. If the offense be known only to the Mas- 
ter, or better known to him than another, it is. his duty 
to prefer the charges. In this case, or when he is to be 
used as a witness, it might not be proper for him to pre- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 339 

side at the trial, though we do not know of any existing 
regulation that would deprive him of the right if he 
chose to exercise it. A sense of delicacy, however, 
would induce him to resign the chair to some old and ex- 
perienced Past Master. That the accuser should not sit 
in judgment on the accused, is a generally conceded pro- 
position. The general rule is, that a Lodge shall not 
exclude any member without giving him due notice of 
the charge preferred or complaint made against him, and 
of the time appointed for its consideration. There may 
be cases when a departure from rule might be justifiable, 
as when it would be impossible to comply with it. For 
example, when the accused has absconded to parts un- 
known, and his expulsion is required as a protection 
against imposition upon the Institution." 

FOR UNMASONIC CONDUCT. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, pages 161 to 168.) 

" Question. — A code of by-laws prescribes the mode 
of proceeding to be followed. ' When charges of unma- 
sonic conduct are preferred against a Mason,' does it 
follow that the Lodge cannot proceed without charges ? 
Or, if a difficulty comes before the Lodge, and it ap- 
points a committee to investigate the matter, which in- 
vestigation is had with the full privity of parties; — 
has it not power, on proper representation of the facts of 
the case, to make a decision without the formal prefer- 
ment of charges by one party against the other? 

"2d. — Again: The by-laws prescribe, that in inflict- 
ing censure on a Brother, the question shall be taken by 
ballot: 1st, on his expulsion; 2d, on his indefinite sus- 
pension; 3d, on his reprimand in open Lodge. If the 
former inquiry be answered in the affirmative, suppose 
the Lodge should find both parties partially in the wrong, 



340 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

would it not have power to dictate to each terms of mu- 
tual reparation, notwithstanding such a by-law? Or, in 
other words, is not such a by-law, in contradiction of the 
spirit of Masonry, depriving the Lodge of the power to 
redress wrongs? 

"Ansiver. — When charges are preferred against a 
Brother, the Lodge will usually proceed on them, if it 
esteem them to be of sufficient importance to demand in- 
vestigation. But it does not follow, as a matter of ob- 
ligation, that when charges are preferred, the Lodge must 
proceed to arraign the accused for trial. It may, and 
should, first satisfy itself the charges are not preferred 
through any improper motive on the part of the accuser, 
and that the evidence is such that, unexplained, it would 
probably lead to conviction. With a view to the attain- 
ment of this object, the Lodge may adopt any course it 
may decide to be most convenient to itself and just to 
the parties concerned. It may, and usually will, when 
there is any doubt existing, refer the subject to a commit- 
tee of its oldest and best-informed members, to investi- 
gate the grounds of complaint and recommend such fur- 
ther proceeding as in their judgment the case may de- 
mand. This recommendation may be a dismissal of the 
charges, or it may be in the form of a vote of censure. 
But, in .the latter event, as in cases of suspension or ex- 
pulsion, the accused would be entitled to a trial before 
the whole Lodge ; for there is no principle better settled 
than that the accused Brother cannot be condemned, 
without first having an opportunity afforded him to be 
heard before his peers in his own defense. This defense 
may be made either by himself or counsel. But, if he re- 
fuse to avail himself of this privilege, and in order to avoid 
a trial, or through fear of the legal consequences of his 
offense, is compelled to escape beyond the jurisdiction, 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 341 

the Lodge may, by the established usage in this country, 
proceed with the case, ex parte, and prosecute it to a 
final decision. 

"2. The regulation cited by 'our correspondent might 
not, in cases of high misdemeanor, be objectionable. 
But it is made to govern the proceedings in all matters of 
discipline that may come before the Lodge, whether for 
a disregard of the fundamental laws of the Institution, 
or dereliction of duty in points of minor consideration. 
A member, charged with personal disrespect to the Lodge, 
or any of its officers, is, by it, subjected to the same 
course of proceeding, and to the same vote as he who is 
arraigned for the highest offense recognized in Masonic 
jurisprudence. This is the objection to the regulation, 
and it is a fatal one. As already suggested, a Brother 
may be guilty of an offense, which, under no circum- 
stances, would authorize his expulsion, though it might 
be a proper cause for reprimand. It is absurd to require 
the Lodge to pass upon the question of a verdict that it 
has neither the power to render nor enforce. How 
should we regard a jury, that in a case of petty larceny, 
before coming to the consideration of such a verdict as 
is authorized by the laws, should entertain and decide 
the question, whether the accused had been guilty of a 
capital offense ? Every offense in Masonry, as in com- 
munities, has its appropriate punishment. The nature 
of the former having been established, there can be no 
difficulty in determining what the latter should be. This 
is a matter of much consequence: because it is due to 
the accused, that he shall not be arraigned before his 
Brethren for a higher offense than that he stands charged 
with, and that all proceedings shall be kept within law- 
ful and proper limits. 

"But the particular question raised by our correspon- 



342 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

dent is, whether, if upon investigation, it shall appear 
that both parties have been in the wrong, and that both 
are censurable, the Lodge has the power to 'dictate 
terms of mutual reparation? 5 We answer, that the 
Lodge has that power, and that it is its imperative duty 
to exercise it, whenever, and as often as occasion may 
require. A Lodge cannot set aside the established con- 
stitutions of the Order, by any regulations of its own. 
6 If a Brother does you an injury,' says one of the oldest 
constitutions, 'or if you have any difference with him 
about any worldly or temporal business or interest, apply 
first to your own, or his Lodge, to have the matter in 
dispute adjusted by the Brethren, and if either party be 
not satisfied with the determination of the Lodge, an 
appeal may be carried to the Grand Lodge.' 

"Again, in the language of another of the old con- 
stitutions, * If any complaint be brought, the Brother 
found guilty, shall stand to the award and determination 
of the Lodge, who are proper and competent judges of 
all such controversies (unless you carry it by appeal to 
the Grand Lodge) and to whom they ought to be re- 
ferred.' In order to bring such differences between 
Brethren before the Lodge, it is necessary that specific 
charges be preferred. A written statement of the facts, 
signed by one of the parties, is sufficient. On this state- 
ment or ' complaint,' the Lodge may proceed in its in- 
vestigations, and finally dictate terms of reconciliation." 

AGAINST THE MASTER. (ALABAMA.) 

(From the Masonic Review, Vol. VI, page 188.) 

" Resolved, That should any subordinate Lodge feel 
aggrieved by the conduct of their Master, that charges 
be preferred by one-third of said Lodge against him, and 
forwarded to the M. W. G. Master, or the R. W. D. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC 343 

G. Master of the Grand Lodge, who shall order three 
Masters of Lodges nearest the Lodge to try the case." 

PAST MASTERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 165.) 

" Question. — Are Chapter Past Masters competent, by- 
virtue of that degree, to preside in a Blue Lodge? If 
yea, Why are they not members of such Grand Lodges 
as declare such officers permanent members thereof? 

"Answer. — The receiving the Past Master's degree 
in a Chapter, confers no privileges that can be made 
available in a Blue Lodge. It merely qualifies the re- 
cipient for admission to the higher degrees of the Chap- 
ter. A Brother who, having been duly elected and in- 
stalled, has served at least one term as Master of a sub- 
ordinate Lodge, under the jurisdiction of some Grand 
Lodge, is by ancient usage alone entitled to the rank and 
privilege of Past Master. But a Brother, having once 
received the degree in a Chapter, it would of course su- 
persede the necessity of his receiving it again as a qual- 
ification for office. He would, therefore, be competent 
to preside in a Blue Lodge, if elected. 

" But, without such election and installation, he would 
not be entitled to take rank in the Grand Lodge as Past 
Master, although he had received that degree. The 
Chapter cannot make members for the Grand Lodge, or 
in any manner interfere with the regulations adopted for 
the government of the subordinate Lodges. 

"A Past Master, who has not actually presided over a 
regular Lodge holding of the Grand Lodge, is, in Eng- 
land, called a 'bundled pretender!' and is not allowed to 
attend the Board of Installed Masters." 

A Brother, who is Past Master by degree only, and 
who has never been duly elected Master of a Lodge, 



344 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

cannot claim the privilege of being tried by the Grand 
Lodge or a Lodge of Past Masters, but must submit to 
the award and determination of the Lodge of which he 
is a member, or under whose jurisdiction he may reside, 
as any other member of the Lodge. The fact of a Ma- 
son's having taken higher degrees, cannot preclude the 
Lodge holding jurisdiction over him from calling him to 
account for unmasonic conduct. 

Should a regular Past Master not consent to be tried 
by the Lodge having jurisdiction over him, application 
might be made to the Grand Master to appoint a com- 
mittee, consisting of a suitable number of regular Past 
Masters, to assemble at a convenient time and place for 
the purpose of hearing and determining on the case, and 
their decision would be as binding and obligatory as if 
passed by the Grand Lodge itself. 

DEFINITIONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 64.) 

"The Grand Lodge is declared to be opened in ample 
form, when the Grand Master presides; in due form, 
when the Deputy Grand Master presides; and in form, 
when it is opened in the absence of both the Grand Mas- 
ter and his Deputy. The term, discharged member, is 
applied to a member of the Lodge who has been dis- 
charged for the nonpayment of his quarterly dues, or 
other violation of the local rules of his Lodge." 

DIPLOMA. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 323.) ' 

" Question. — Should a member apply for a diploma, 
and it is granted by a majority of the Lodge, is the Mas- 
ter bound to sign it, and thus certify that the holder is a 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 345 

worthy Brother, when he (the Master) knows to the con- 
trary ? 

"Answer. — The Master of a Lodge would not be at 
liberty to sign a diploma while charges were pending 
against a member, nor after, his conviction. But he 
would be bound, if the Brother to whom it had been 
voted stood unimpeached before the Lodge, either to sign 
it, or present his objections in the form of charges (or to 
resign his office). Refusal by the Master to sign a diplo- 
ma, for any Brother entitled to receive it, would be an 
implication of his standing as a Mason, to which he 
cannot be required, and ought not, passively to submit." 

WHO CAN GRANT DIPLOMAS. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 369.) 

" Question. — Can a Lodge give its members diplomas, 
who have received their degrees in any other Lodge, 
either within or without the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodge in which such Lodge may work? 

"Answer. — Certainly they can. What is a diploma? 
An official certificate under the seal of the Lodge, attest- 
ed by the Master, Wardens and Secretary, that A. B. 
'has been regularly initiated, passed, and raised to the 
sublime degree of Master Mason,' in a just and legally- 
constituted Lodge — whether the one in which he is now 
a member, or in some other Lodge. The diploma is not 
designed as evidence in the question as to what Lodge 
he was made in, but as to whether he has received the 
degrees legally. The question proposed by our friends 
hardly admits of an argument. Suppose A. should 
neglect or forget to take a diploma upon withdrawing 
from the Lodge in which he was made ; or suppose the 
Lodge were to have its charter arrested before its mem- 
bers had received their diplomas, — certainly this should 



346 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

not preclude A. from receiving a diploma from any Lodge 
in which he might afterward become a member. We 
cannot conceive a doubt to rest upon this question. If a 
member is worthy, and has received his degrees in a 
legally-constituted Lodge, he is entitled to a diploma. 

"The usages of the Fraternity require a vote of the 
Lodge in granting diplomas. The diploma is the certifi- 
cate — the voice of the Lodge, not one of its officers or 
members, nor of all its officers. A member wishing a 
diploma must ask the Lodge for it. If there are no 
charges against him, and his Brethren are satisfied with 
his conduct, and have no complaint against him, he is 
entitled to a diploma. If he intends at the same time to 
withdraw from the Lodge, he must also pay his dues be- 
fore a diploma is granted. A diploma is not to be taken 
as evidence that the owner has withdrawn his member- 
ship, but that he is, at the time, a member in good stand- 
ing; and that he received his degrees in a legally-consti- 
tuted Lodge. A diploma is not a demit. He may take 
a diploma, and yet remain a member of the Lodge ; this 
is very frequently done. A demit is a certificate that the 
individual named has withdrawn from the Lodge, and 
that he had paid his dues, and was, at the time, in good 
standing with his Brethren. A diploma and a demit are 
very different things." 

DOORS TO A LODGE-ROOM. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 134.) 

"Question. — Should a Blue Lodge Masonic Hall 
have more than one door or entrance ? If but one, where 
should it be situated? If two, where should the second 
be situated? 

"Answer — We think there can be no valid reasons 
assigned why there should not be two doors to a Lodge- 






RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 347 

room, and find it very difficult to conjecture on what 
grounds the objection is raised. On the contrary, we 
think there is a decided propriety, as well as convenience, 
in having two doors — one for a common entrance, and 
the other for special Lodge purposes. This plan is not 
always practicable; but where it is, we should most cer- 
tainly adopt it. 

"Where it is impracticable to have more than one 
door, that will be found to be most convenient if placed 
in the north-west or south-west; that is, on the right or 
left of the Senior Warden. Where 'two can be had, we 
should place them in both those positions, one opening 
(and it is immaterial which) from the anteroom — used for 
the accommodation of the work — and the other from the 
visitor's room, as a common entrance." 

MEMBERSHIP. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 35.) 

" No Brother shall be a member of more than one 
subordinate Lodge at the same time. So decided by the 
Grand Lodges of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ma- 
ryland, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and 
the Grand Lodge of England." 

ENTERED APPRENTICES AND FELLOWCRAFTS NOT 

MEMBERS. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. I, page 198.) 

"The practice of i transacting Masonic business in 
Lodges below the degree of Master Mason, except such 
as appertains to the conferring of inferior degrees and the 
instruction therein,' has been disapproved by the conven- 
tion, on the ground that Entered Apprentices and Fellow- 
crafts are not members of Lodges. 

" This subject has already been acted upon by several 



348 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Grand Lodges with various results. While some regard 
the practice as highly improper, others are disposed to 
view it as a matter of little importance, — as one which 
may be left to the wisdom and discretion of the subordi- 
nate Lodges. Uniformity in this, as in all other Masonic 
usages, is desirable, if attainable. Beside, the question 
is not whether the practice has been productive of evil, 
but whether it be correct. If it is not correct, then, it 
ought to be abolished. If Brethren, under the degree 
of Master Mason, are not members of Lodges, and they 
clearly are not, they are not entitled to the franchise of 
members. These, they enjoy to a certain extent, if ad- 
mitted to a knowledge of, and admitted as visitors, to 
participate in the transactions of the Lodge. 

"All Lodges, in this country, and throughout the 
world, are Masters' Lodges— as such they are chartered. 
A charter for an Entered Apprentices' Lodge is a thing 
unknown in Masonry. 

"The authority to hold such Lodges, is an incidental^ 
not an original, power. It is granted for specified pur- 
poses ; namely, for the conferring of the Apprentices' 
degree, and 'giving instruction therein.' If Apprentices' 
Lodges are recognized as competent to elect and install 
their own officers and to transact the ordinary business 
of Masters' Lodges, there can be no impropriety in 
chartering them as independent bodies. But they are 
not so recognized; nor can they be so chartered. They 
exist only incidentally, not primarily. They may be 
compared to the legs which support the body. They do 
not possess the power to exercise the functions of the 
body ; nor can they exist independently of it. If the 
body die, they die also. If they be cut oft, the body 
falls to the ground. 

" We have heard it contended, that Entered Appren- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 349 

tices are not Masons. This is not correct. They are 
Masons. They are not eligible to office, neither are they 
required to bear any of the burdens of Masonry nor 
ought they to be admitted to a full participation in its 
privileges. Under the English constitutions, they would 
not be allowed to participate in its charities; for 'no 
person is regularly entitled (we quote the words of the 
constitution) to partake of the general charity, unless his 
name be duly registered, and he shall have been at 
least two years a contributing member of a Lodge.' En- 
tered Apprentices cannot be members of Lodges. They 
are, therefore, merely recognized as Masons, without any 
legal claim to share in the privileges of the Lodge. If 
they be allowed to be present, to become acquainted, and 
to participate in the ordinary business transactions of a 
Masters' Lodge, do they not, to a very considerable ex- 
tent, enjoy the immunities which rightfully belong only 
to Master Masons? If so, is this right? Our opinion 
accords with that of the convention, that 'the confining 
of all business to Masters' Lodges will be found most 
advantageous, and undoubtedly is the only correct course 
of practice.' " 

DELINQUENT MEMBERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. I, page 200.) 

" On this subject, there seems to be, in this country, 
no settled principle of action. The matter rests arbitra- 
rily with the Grand Lodges. There is, consequently, 
little or no agreement between them. The Grand Lodge 
of New Jersey makes it obligatory on the subordinate 
Lodges under her jurisdiction to expel members 'who 
shall be in arrears for fees or dues eighteen months, and 
shall refuse or neglect to pay the same within six months 
after demand therefor shall be made by the Treasurer.' 



350 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

"The Grand Lodge of New York mollifies this penal- 
ty by directing that suspension shall precede expulsion. 

" The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts does not touch 
the subject, but leaves it to the independent action of the 
Lodges. Their uniform practice is to disfranchise the 
delinquent of his membership, leaving his general privi- 
leges as a Mason unimpaired. 

" The Grand Lodge of Ohio, also, leaves the matter 
to the discretion of her Lodges, but authorizes them to 
enforce the payment by sentence of suspension or expul- 
sion, if they think proper. 

"The practice of the other Lodges is equally diverse. 
The English constitutions provide that 'if any member 
be excluded from his Lodge, or shall withdraw himself 
from it, without having complied with its by-laws, or 
with the general regulations of the Craft, he shall not be 
eligible to any other Lodge, until that Lodge shall have 
been made acquainted with his former neglect, so that 
the Brethren may be enabled to exercise their discretion 
as to his admission.' This is nearly in conformity with 
the practice of Massachusetts. The difference is, that 
the Lodges under the English jurisdiction, are at liberty 
to admit the delinquent, if they think proper: whereas, 
under the practice in Massachusetts, he would be re- 
quired to produce a certificate of honorable discharge 
from the Lodge of which he had been a member, before 
he would be allowed to affiliate himself with another. — 
In both cases, his general privileges as a Mason remain 
unimpaired; except, that in the former, 'a Brother who is 
not a subscribing member of some Lodge, is not permitted 
to visit any one Lodge, in the town or place where he 
resides, more than once during his secession from the 
Craft.' With all due respect for the opinions of those 
who differ from us, we must be permitted to say, that we 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 351 

cannot but regard the latter practice as the only proper 
course of proceeding. A Mason, by his initiation, and 
in consideration of the fee then paid, acquires certain 
general privileges, subject to the conditions of the estab- 
lished regulations and constitutions of the Craft. Of 
these he cannot be divested, except for immoral conduct 
or violation of his general obligations and duties as a 
member of the Fraternity. He is under no constraint to 
connect himself with any particular Lodge. The con- 
stitutions do not make this obligatory upon him. He 
enjoys all the general benefits of Masonry without it ; — 
but if he choose to affiliate himself, he becomes entitled 
to certain special privileges, and subjects himself to cer- 
tain special regulations. These are the conditions of his 
membership ; not the terms on which he holds his con- 
nection with the Fraternity. There is a broad distinc- 
tion. On his admission into the Fraternity, he enters 
into certain general obligations. While those obliga- 
tions remain unbroken, he cannot, in our view of the 
case, be deprived of the privileges then conferred on 
him. The contract is complete. He subsequently con- 
nects himself with Brethren associated as a Lodge. — 
With them he enters into certain special obligations and 
liabilities, on condition of enjoying certain special privi- 
leges. This is another contract. While he fulfills the 
conditions of it, it is complete. If he fails in this, it is 
broken; and he forfeits his privileges as a member, not 
his franchise as a Mason. We desire to be distinctly 
understood. The point is a delicate one. If, as a mem- 
ber, he be chargeable with an immoral offense, or with 
the commission of an act which would impair his ori- 
ginal obligations to the Fraternity, that would be just 
cause for expulsion. But if his moral character remains 
imimpeached, and he faithfully discharge his general du- 



352 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ties and obligations as a Mason, we do not see with 
what propriety, or by what authority, he can be deprived 
of his Masonic rights, and exposed to the detestation of 
the Fraternity. That he has, in a measure, failed to 
comply with the local pecuniary regulations of his 
Lodge, is a delinquency, which, in our judgment, does 
not call for or authorize so severe a punishment. 

"Expulsion is the highest punishment known in Ma- 
sonry, and ought not to be inflicted but with great cau- 
tion, and in extreme cases. If made the penalty of tri- 
vial offenses, there is danger that it may, in time, cease 
to be regarded as a punishment. We fully concur with 
the committee who submitted the report we have been 
considering, that c uniform legislation in the states (in 
this respect) is essential to the well-being of the Frater- 
nity,' and we much regret that they have not suggested 
some specific regulation on the subject. As the matter now 
stands, a Brother may be suspended or expelled, in Ohio, 
for an offense, which, if committed in Massachusetts, 
would not affect his general Masonic privileges. How, 
in such a case, ought Massachusetts to act, should the 
expelled or suspended Brother come within her jurisdic- 
tion? He has committed no offense recognized as such 
by the Masonic laws of Massachusetts. Ought her 
Lodges to refus^ to receive him as a visitor? In our 
opinion, they ought; because they would not be at liber- 
ty to go behind the records. The Grand Lodge of Mas- 
sachusetts might open a negotiation with the Grand 
Lodge of Ohio for his restoration, on the ground that 
he had been expelled without adequate cause. But until 
his restoration had been effected, the Lodge would not 
be at liberty to receive him. No such debatable point 
ought, however, to be permitted to exist. There should 
be a strict uniformity in the government, as well as the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 353 

ritual, of the Institution; and a more auspicious time 
than the present, may never offer to effect this desirable 
result. 

" What the convention has failed to accomplish, .may 
be attained through the proposed convention of Grand 
Secretaries, acting under the instruction of their respec- 
tive Grand Lodges." 

NONPAYMENT OF LODGE DUES. PENALTY. (SOUTH 

CAROLINA.) 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 286.) 

"Kesolved, That the penalty of expulsion for nonpay- 
ment of arrears be abrogated by this Grand Lodge, and 
that the only punishment hereafter to be inflicted for such 
defalcation shall be a discharge from membership of the 
Lodge." 

SUSPENSION FOR, ETC. 
fFrom the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 101.) 

" Question. — I presume suspending from all the bene- 
fits of the Lodge would not be an unlawful punishment 
for the nonpayment of Lodge dues, as each Lodge has a 
right to place that regulation in the by-laws? 

" Answer. — A Lodge has a right to incorporate into 
its by-laws any regulation not inconsistent with the con- 
stitution and by-laws of the Grand Lodge under whose 
authority it works, nor subversive of the ancient regula- 
tions and usages of the Fraternity. It has, therefore, an 
undoubted right to establish the terms under which mem- 
bership may be obtained, and to make a strict compliance 
with them, the condition on which alone it can be re- 
tained. If a Lodge incorporate into its by-laws a regu- 
lation assessing quarterly or annual dues, the payment of 
these dues becomes one of the conditions of membership. 
If a member refuse to comply with the regulations, he 
30 



354 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

voluntarily breaks the terms on which he holds his mem- 
bership, and may be suspended or discharged as the 
Lodge may determine. When a member is so discharged, 
he does not, in our opinion, forfeit any of his general 
privileges as a Mason; but he does forfeit all the particu- 
lar privileges and benefits which might otherwise accrue 
to him from his relations as a member of the Lodge." 

EXPULSION FOR, ETC. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, pages 193 to 198.) 

"The power to expel is the highest penal power known 
to Masonry. It is a general power, derived from the an- 
cient constitution and usages of the Fraternity, and can 
neither be abrogated nor abridged by the special enact- 
ments of any local Masonic association. Nor can it be 
exercised but for the violation of some fundamental prin- 
ciple, of the Institution. These are the positions which, 
w r e presume, no intelligent Brother will undertake or de- 
sire to controvert. If, then, they be admitted, it follows, 
that the right to expel, in any particular case, is to be de- 
termined by reference to the ancient constitutions and to 
the general usages of the Fraternity. If authority for it 
is not to be found in either of these sources, it does not 
exist as a general regulation. Would the exercise of it, 
in such a case, by a particular Grand Lodge, be binding 
beyond that jurisdiction? Though not authorized by the 
constitutions, it would be of full force within the juris- 
diction; because a Grand Lodge is an independent body, 
having authority to enact such laws for the government 
of the Fraternity under its special charge, as its own 
wisdom may dictate. These laws, if not inconsistent 
with the civil and moral obligations, the Brethren are 
bound to obey. There being no general Grand Lodge 
there can be no appeal. But how ought the Fraternity 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 355 

in other states to be affected by the regulation? How 
ought a Brother, who has been expelled in Ohio, for non- 
payment of dues, to be received in another state, where 
the power to expel for such cause is denied? This is an 
important question. It is liable, at any time, to come up 
for consideration before the Grand Lodges in New Eng- 
land, where the principle is not recognized. In order 
that we may not be misunderstood, we take leave here to 
remark, that should a Brother, who had been expelled in 
Ohio, for the cause under discussion, present himself for 
admission to a subordinate Lodge in Massachusetts, the 
Brethren of that Lodge would be bound to reject him, 
whatever their own views might be; because they would 
not be at liberty to go beyond the record. We main- 
tain, however, that the Grand Lodge would have the 
power to reinstate him. But until this had been done, 
the subordinate Lodge could not receive him. 

"'It may seem a harsh procedure,' says the Grand 
Master, 'to place the offense of nonpayment of dues 
upon a level in its grade of punishment, with the perpe- 
tration of actual guilt. 5 

"To our mind it is a 'harsh procedure,' one which is 
neither founded in wisdom nor justified by the ancient 
usages of the Craft, and we cannot but think that the 
language of our respected Brother is too strong, in as- 
suming that the neglect, or even refusal, of a member to 
pay his quarterly assessments, is 'not only striking at the 
existence of our association,' but is in 'direct violation 
of constitutional obligations.' We do not so regard it. 
Previously to the year 1717, chartered subordinate Lodges 
were unknown to Masonry. The payment of quarterly 
dues was a thing unheard of, yet 'our association' had 
an existence. The Brethren assembled on the broad 
basis of Freemasonry. Their Lodges were open to all, 



.:.__ 



356 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

and free to all. The present distinction between those 
who are members and those who are not, was unknown. 
Lodges were voluntary associations of Brethren, and 
were assembled as occasion required, or as their conve- 
nience or inclination might determine. The expenses 
were paid from the initiation fees, and by assessments 
and contributions. But there is neither record nor tradi- 
tion to authorize the assumption, that expulsion followed 
as a consequence of the neglect or refusal of a Brother 
to contribute his quota of the expense incurred. That 
is a modern invention. We believe it to be an Ameri- 
canism, and of no very great antiquity. We have care- 
fully examined the 'ancient constitutions, the 'old regu- 
lations,' and most of the ancient works on Freemasonry, 
known now to be in existence, together with the present 
constitutions and regulations of the leading Grand Lodges 
in Europe. We respectfully submit, therefore, that the 
Grand Master of Ohio is mistaken in regarding the non- 
compliance with it as a direct violation of constitutional 
obligations. We agree with him fully that it is the duty 
of every Mason to contribute to the support of the cha- 
rity fund of some Lodge, whether he be an attending 
member or not. But this is a duty, the performance of 
which must be left to his own conscience and sense of 
propriety. There is no power by which it can be en- 
forced. His Brethren may cut him off from the benefits 
of the charity fund raised by their own labors and con- 
tributions. They may even adopt the existing regulation 
of the Grand Lodge of England, and refuse him a second 
admission into the particular Lodge located in the place 
of his residence. But there is no authority in the an- 
cient constitutions or usages of the Craft which will 
justify them in expelling him from Masonry. He holds 
his general Masonic privileges by virtue of his initiation, 






RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 357 

and in consideration of the fee then paid. Of these, he 
cannot, in our judgment, be deprived, except for immo- 
ral conduct, or for the violation of some one or more of 
the general obligations then assumed. The payment of 
quarterly dues was not one of these obligations. That 
was a subsequent contract between him and a certain 
number of his Brethren, associated as a Lodge. On 
certain conditions, which they prescribe, but which are 
not required by the constitutions, he is permitted to unite 
with them, and to participate in the pleasures and share 
the benefits of their association. The connection thus 
formed continues so long as he fulfills his obligations as 
one of the copartners. When he fails in this respect, 
his connection ceases. He falls back into the position 
he occupied before he formed this local copartnership 
with his Brethren. He resumes his relations as a mem- 
ber of the Community at large, without having any spe- 
cial interest in, or enjoying the profits resulting from, the 
labors of any particular firm. 

"The circumstance that subordinate Lodges are 'amen- 
able to the Grand Lodge' for the payment of the capita- 
tion tax of the members, is of very little weight in the 
argument. 

"They are responsible for brethren no longer than 
they continue to be members. If, therefore, the Lodge 
perform their duty and require quarterly or semiannual 
payments of the capitation tax, and promptly discharge 
all delinquent members, there will be very little danger 
of their becoming embarrassed on account of not being 
authorized to enforce payment, by a resort to the severest 
penalty that can visit the highest offense known to Ma- 
sonry. 

" The committee express their regret, that on a subject 
so plain, and of so much importance to Masonry, any 



358 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

departure from the known landmarks should have exist- 
ed. Our regret is, that the committee have not informed 
us where these ' landmarks' are to be found, for we free- 
ly confess, that we know not where to look for them, 
however 'well-known' they may be. We have already . 
said, that no traces exist of them in the ancient constitu- 
tions and usages of the Craft, nor in the established re- 
gulations of any of the Grand Lodges in Europe with 
which we are acquainted. 

"The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was the first 
Grand Lodge ever opened in America. She derived her 
authority and her earliest instructions, and her knowledge 
of the landmarks and usages of the Craft, directly from 
the original fountain of Masonry in Europe, — the Grand 
Lodge of England. She has been one hundred and ten 
years in existence ; but she has not yet been able to dis- 
cover the known 'landmarks' in question, nor does she 
now perceive either the necessity or propriety of them. 

"The fact lamented by the committee, that 'it is no 
unfrequent occurrence that a member, suspended for non- 
payment of dues, and otherwise of good standing, is from 
time to time made cognizant of all the proceedings of the 
Lodge of which he was formerly a member,' only proves 
that the regulation of the Grand Lodge on the subject is 
regarded as oppressive by the Lodges, and is, therefore, 
inoperative. They cannot bring themselves to the be- 
lief, that a Brother, 'otherwise of good standing,' is to 
be disgraced and denied the fellowship of his Brethren 
for no better reason than that he is too proud to declare 
himself a beggar! Nine times out of ten, that which 
his Brethren might honestly and conscientiously construe 
into neglect or refusal, would probably be the result of 
pecuniary inability. 

" But admit the reverse of this to be nearer the truth ; 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 359 

then, we maintain, that it would be better that the nine 
offending Brethren should escape, than that one innocent 
should suffer. But, we assume it as a principle of human 
nature, that a Brother will never allow his name to be 
struck from the roll of members, for the nonpayment of 
dues, if he be able to liquidate them. This, then, is 
penalty enough. And this can be enforced without run- 
ning against the constitutions, or doing injustice to the 
delinquent. If he fail to comply with the conditions on 
which he holds his membership, he cannot complain if 
he be discharged. 

"The committee say, 'a worthy Brother omitting to 
pay his dues, and suspended therefor, could easily be re- 
stored to his privilege by paying up, and thus evincing 
his willingness to do his duty as a Mason.' A worthy 
Brother is always 'willing to do his duty as a Mason.' 
But circumstances beyond his control, and which his 
self-respect prompts him to conceal from a censorious and 
ill-judging world, may operate to prevent him. In this 
case, according to the committee, he must submit to the 
disgrace of a suspension or expulsion, until he shall 
overcome these adverse circumstances, and be able to 
wipe it away by 'paying up.' 

"We stop here. The principle is a wrong one. There 
is nothing Masonic, nothing generous, nothing kind in 
it. If a member neglect or refuse to pay his dues, dis- 
charge him, but do not punish and disgrace him for his 
poverty — that would be cruelty." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 325-328.) 

"I promised to say a word upon a subject upon which 
I differ from you and the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, 
' the expulsion of Masons for the nonpayment of Lodge 
dues.' It is held by you and that body, that a Lodge 



360 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

has not the right to expel a member from the benefits 
of Masonry for 'nonpayment of dues.' Some of our 
Brethren have even gone so far as* to say, and, indeed, 
one of our Lodges has acted under that supposition, that 
a Lodge can only suspend from membership, and not 
from the benefits of Masonry for such a cause. 

" If a Brother whom the Lodge supposes to be able to 
pay, does not apply for a remission of his dues, or for 
time, and neglects to pay for six months, we suspend 
him from the benefits of Masonry, and if he will not 
pay, being able, we hold that we have the right, and that 
it would be our duty to expel him from all the benefits of 
Masonry. It is true, that a Lodge, by its by-laws, may at 
discretion make the penalty less, for violating those by- 
laws: but, when the penalty is left open, we hold, that 
continued contumacy would be a violation of a well- 
known duty, which he has voluntarily assumed (viz:), 
that of abiding by the by-laws of the Lodge ; we hold 
that it is as much a crime to cheat, wrong, or defraud 
a Lodge, as it would be a neighbor ; and if we could 
expel him for the latter, we think we have the right to 
expel for the former crime. And, we think, if a Brother 
has promised to pay the Lodge annual dues, and can 
pay, without inconvenience to himself or family, but ob- 
stinately and willfully refuses, that he does cheat, wrong, 
and defraud the Lodge, and, therefore, deserves to be, 
and ought to be, expelled; for if he will defraud one 
Lodge, he will others, and if other Lodges, he will 
Brethren of the household, as well as those not of the 
Fraternity. 

" Answer. — Our correspondent has presented his case 
well and forcibly; but, we apprehend, that he has over- 
looked the main point in the argument. A candidate for 
the degrees is not, by the mere ceremony of initiation 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 361 

into the Fraternity, admitted to membership in any par- 
ticular Lodge. That is a subsequent transaction, — a 
new and independent contract with a certain number of 
his Brethren who have voluntarily associated themselves 
together under new and particular regulations, for certain 
specified purposes. The two transactions have no other 
necessary connection, than that admission into the for- 
mer is an essential qualification for an admission into the 
latter. The former is governed by the general laws of 
the Craft; the latter, by conventional regulations. We 
maintain that the rights acquired through the first cannot 
be impaired by the mere nonfulfillment of the conditions 
of the second. A foreigner is made a citizen of the 
United States, by the laws of naturalization; but he is 
not thereby invested with the privileges of municipal 
citizenship. They are acquired in another way, and are 
subject to other conditions. He may also forfeit his pri- 
vileges as a citizen of a municipality, and yet exercise 
his rights and claim protection as a citizen of the United 
States. But the converse of the propositon does not 
hold, if he forfeits his rights as a citizen of the United 
States, his municipal privileges are also forfeited, because 
the condition on which he acquired and held them no 
longer exists ; and this is the distinction we would make 
between the members of the Masonic community, as a 
whole, and the members of a private Lodge. 

"A Lodge, in introducing an individual into Masonry, 
acts by the authority of the Grand Lodge to which it is 
subordinate, and for the Fraternity at large. The regu- 
lations which govern its proceedings in this respect are 
the general regulations of the Craft, usually denominated 
the 'ancient constitutions.' They are the original and 
fundamental laws of the Fraternity, and may not proper- 
ly be changed by either Grand or subordinate Lodges. 
31 



362 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

If our correspondent can point to a single sentence in 
these regulations, which authorizes or justifies the ex- 
pulsion of a Brother for the nonfulfillment of a private 
contract, and in the absence of evidence of intentional 
fraud, such as would be admissible in judicial proceed- 
ings, we will cheerfully yield to him all that he claims. 
<A Lodge may be either general or particular,' say the 
constitutions. It is general, when acting as the agent of 
the Fraternity, and in the discharge of the general duties 
prescribed by the charter. It is particular in the admis- 
sion and government of its own members, and in the re- 
gulation of its local concerns. Its by-laws necessarily 
partake of this mixed character. The original engage- 
ment to abide by them, is general ; the signing of the by- 
laws, is a special or particular promise, and constitutes 
the condition of membership. Expulsion proceeds from 
neglect of primary or general duties; forfeiture of mem- 
bership is the just punishment for neglect of secondary 
or particular duties. The payment of Lodge dues is a 
particular duty, imposed by a particular regulation of the 
Lodge. It is not required by the general laws of the 
Fraternity. We desire it to be distinctly understood here, 
as speaking of Lodge dues and nothing else. What the 
Grand Lodge may have power to do, is not now the 
question under consideration. 

"One word as to the by-laws of a Lodge: they are 
both general and particular. The engagement to abide 
by them is, in the first instance, a general one. So 
far as the by-laws conform to the regulations of the 
Grand Lodge and the general regulations of Masonry, it 
is obligatory ; but when they militate against either, it is 
not; because a prior and superior obligation to the con- 
trary exists. If a Lodge incorporate into its by-laws a 
provision inconsistent with the general regulations of the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 363 

Craft, or the particular regulations of the Grand Lodge, 
it transcends its power, and any action had under such 
provision would be nugatory. So, if a Lodge expel 
from Masonry, for a cause not recognized as an offense 
by the general regulations, the expulsion cannot stand ; 
because the offense does not involve any violation of the 
original conditions on which admission into the Frater- 
nity was obtained." 

EXPULSION PENALTY OF. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 45.) 

"Expulsion from a Lodge deprives the party expelled 
of all the rights and privileges that he ever enjoyed, not 
only as a member of the particular Lodge from which 
he has been rejected, but also of those which were inhe- 
rent in him as a member of the Fraternity at large. He 
is at once as completely divested of his Masonic charac- 
ter, as though he had never been admitted, so far as re- 
gards his rights, while his duties remain as firm as ever, 
it being impossible for any human power to cancel them. 
He can no longer demand the aid of his Brethren when 
in distress, nor demand from them the performance of 
any duty to which he was formerly entitled, nor visit any 
Lodge, nor unite in any of the public or private ceremo- 
nies of the Order. He is considered as being without 
the pale, and it would be criminal in any Brother, aware 
of his expulsion, to hold communication with him on 
Masonic subjects. 

" The only proper tribunal to impose this severe pun- 
ishment, is a Grand Lodge. A subordinate Lodge tries 
its delinquent member, and, if guilty, declares him 
expelled. But the sentence is of no force until the 
Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction it is working has 
confirmed it. And it is optional with the Grand Lodge 



364 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

to do so, or, as is frequently done, to reverse the deci- 
sion and reinstate the Brother. 

" Some of the Lodges in this country claim the right 
to expel, independently of the action of the Grand 
Lodge; but the claim is not valid. The very fact that 
an expulsion is a penalty affecting the general relations 
of the punished party with the whole Fraternity, proves 
that its exercise never could with propriety be intrusted 
to a body so circumscribed in its authority as a subor- 
dinate Lodge. Beside, the general practice of the Fra- 
ternity is against it. The majority of Grand Lodges in 
this country have expressly reserved the confirming 
power. 

"The English constitution vests the power to expel 
exclusively in the Grand Lodge. The subordinate Lodge 
first suspends, and then the Grand Lodge, on a review of 
the case, if it thinks proper, decrees expulsion. 

"All Masons, whether members of Lodges or not, are 
subject to this punishment, when found to merit it. Ee- 
signation or withdrawal from the Institution, does not 
cancel a Mason's obligations, nor exempt him from that 
wholesome control which the Order exercises over the 
moral conduct of its members. In this respect, the maxim 
is 'once a Mason always a Mason.' The principle that 
a Mason, not a member of any particular Lodge, but 
who has been guilty of immoral or unmasonic conduct, 
can be tried by any Lodge within whose jurisdiction he 
may be residing, is incontrovertible. 

" Every Mason is bound to obey the summons of a 
Lodge of Master Masons, whether he be a member or 
otherwise. This obligation on the part of an individual 
clearly implies a power in the Lodge to investigate and 
control his conduct in all things which concern the in- 
terest of the Institution. This power cannot be confined 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 365 

to those Brethren who are members of Lodges, for the 
obligation is general. 

"Immoral conduct, such as would subject a candidate 
for admission to rejection, should be the only offense vis- 
ited with expulsion. As the punishment is general, af- 
fecting the relations of the one expelled with the whole 
Fraternity, it should not be lightly imposed, nor inflicted 
for the violation of any Masonic duty, not general in its 
character. The commission of a gross act is a violation 
of the contract entered into by each Mason and the Or- 
der. If sanctioned by silence, or encouraged by impu- 
nity, it would bring discredit on the Institution, and tend 
to impair its usefulness. A Mason, who is a bad man, 
is, to the Order, what a mortified limb is to the body, 
and should be treated with the same mode of cure. He 
should be cut off, lest his example spread, and disease 
be propagated through the whole of the Institution. 

" But it is too much the custom of Lodges, in this 
country, to extend this remedy to cases neither deserving 
nor requiring its application. I allude here particularly 
to expulsion for nonpayment of Lodge dues. Upon the 
principle just laid down, this is neither just nor consis- 
tent. The payment of arrears is a contract in which 
the only parties are a particular Lodge and its members, 
of which contract the body at large knows nothing. It 
is not a general Masonic duty, and is not called for by 
any Masonic regulation. The system of arrears was 
unknown in former years, and has only been established 
of late years for the sake of convenience. 

" Even now there are some Lodges in which it does 
not prevail, and no Grand Lodge has ever yet attempted 
to control or regulate it; thus tacitly admitting that it 
forms no part of the general regulations of the Order. — 
Hence, the nonpayment of arrears is only a violation of 



366 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

a special and voluntary obligation to a particular Lodge, 
and not of any general duty to the Fraternity at large. — 
The punishment, therefore, inflicted, should be one af- 
fecting the relations of the delinquent with the particular 
Lodge whose by-laws he has infringed, and not a gene- 
ral one affecting his relations with the whole Craft. But 
expulsion has this latter effect, and is therefore inconsis- 
tent and unjust. And as it is a punishment too often in- 
flicted upon poverty, it is unkind and uncharitable. 

"A Lodge might, in this case, forfeit or suspend the 
membership of the defaulter in his own Lodge, but such 
suspension should not affect his right of visiting other 
Lodges, nor any of the other privileges inherent in him 
as a Mason. This is the practice, we are glad to say, 
pursued by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, one of 

the most enlightened bodies of Masonry in the union 

It is, also, the regulation of the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land, from which most of our Grand Lodges derive di- 
rectly or indirectly their existence. It is consonant with 
the ancient usages of the Fraternity ; and, finally, it would 
produce all the good effects required by punishment, 
namely: reform and the prevention of crime, and ought 
to be adopted by every Grand Lodge as a part of its 
constitution. 

" In Union Kilwinning Lodge, in Charleston, South 
Carolina, every member pays a certain sum on his ad- 
mission, and is forever afterward exempted from contri- 
butions of any kind. This is one of the oldest Lodges 
in the state." 

SUMMONS AND NOTIFICATION. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 70.) 

"The word summons is generally used in the old re- 
gulations as a synonyme for notification : but the follow- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 357 

ing distinction will be found to be more convenient, and 
more in conformity with the intention and practice : 

" 'A notification' is the notice by which the time, 
place, and hour (and frequently the business) of the 
Lodge are communicated to the members. This notice, 
every Brother receiving it, is expected to obey, unless 
his doing so would materially interfere with his business 
engagements. The obligation which it imposes is a 
general one, and the highest penalty incurred by a viola- 
tion of it, is a forfeiture of membership. 

"<A summons' is a call of authority, a citation to ap- 
pear and answer to the charges therein set forth ; or, it 
is an imperative injunction to appear at a special meeting 
of the Lodge with which the Brother receiving it is af- 
filiated j or, to attend on the Grand Master, the D. D. 
G. Master, or any committee, or any other body author- 
ized by the Grand Lodge to issue it. The obligation to 
obey it is special and obligatory on every Brother re- 
ceiving it. The penalty for its nonobservance is expul- 
sion, unless the party offending be able to urge a pressing 
and positive necessity for his excuse. 

SUSPENSION. 

A sentence of suspension or expulsion passed by any 
Lodge, must be regarded as operating as a suspension or 
expulsion from all other Lodges, or regular convocations 
or assemblages of Masons whatsoever, as all are embraced 
in the term Masonic world. 

RESTORING SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED BRETHREN. (MIS- 
SOURI.) 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 185.) 

"Kesolved, That a Brother who is suspended for a 
limited time by any subordinate Lodge, is at once, at the 
termination of the time of his suspension, entitled to all 



368 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the privileges of Masonry without any action of any 
Lodge. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 70.) 

"Question. — 1st. Can an individual, who has been 
suspended from a Lodge for a definite time, be reinstated 
before that time expires ? 

"2d. Can an individual, who has been expelled for a 
definite or an indefinite period of time, be reinstated at a 
called (special) meeting of the Lodge ? 

"3d. In cases of a called meeting for a particular pur- 
pose, is it right for the Lodge to transact any other busi- 
ness than that for which it was specially convened ? 

"Answer — 1st. A Lodge has, as a general rule, in 
ordinary cases, the power to revise and reconsider its 
own vote. But, in special cases, and particularly where 
the question has been taken by yeas and nays, this may 
not be done at a meeting when there is a less number of 
members present than were present when the vote was 
adopted. The suspension of a member is not an ordina- 
ry case. The Lodge may, nevertheless, restore a mem- 
ber before the expiration of the term of suspension, pro- 
vided no action has been had in the premises by the 
Grand Lodge. But, in order to do this legally, it is ne- 
cessary and indispensable that the members shall be spe- 
cially notified of the intention to reinstate him. Any 
other course might endanger the harmony of the Lodge, 
and lead to the restoration of an unworthy member. It 
is not competent for the friends of a suspended member 
to avail themselves of a thinly attended meeting to effect 
his restoration. The members of the Lodge must be 
fully and seasonably notified of the intention to move 
for a reconsideration of the vote of suspension. This 
having been done, a review of the case may be had, and 
the delinquent restored, even though there should not be 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 369 

so full an attendance as at the time of his suspension. — 
If the members do not attend when notified, the presump- 
tion is, that they wave their objections if they enter- 
tained any. If the Grand Lodge has confirmed the sus- 
pension, it becomes necessary that the restoration shall 
also be confirmed by it, before it can be complete. 

"2d. A member may be suspended or expelled at a 
called or special meeting of the Lodge. Indeed, the 
examination of charges against a member ought always 
to be had at a called meeting, and in the presence of the 
members of the Lodge only. It follows, therefore, that 
a suspended member may be reinstated at a called meet- 
ing, notice to all the members having been given, as 
above stated. 

"3d. We deem it neither right nor lawful for a Lodge 
to transact, at a called meeting, any other business than 
that for which it has been convened : and this rule is 
particularly obligatory, because the specific object of the 
meeting is, or should be stated in the notification to the 
members. The following regulation on this subject is 
both wise and conservative : 

" A Lodge of Emergency may at any time be called 
by the authority of the Master, or in his absence, of the 
Senior Warden, but on no pretense, without such au- 
thority first given. The particular reason for calling the 
Lodge of Emergency shall be expressed in the summons, 
and afterward recorded on the minutes, and no business 
but that so expressed, shall be entered upon at such 
meeting. 

" A less stringent rule than this could scarcely fail, in 
practice, to operate prejudicially to the harmony and 
prosperity of the Lodge. 



370 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

EXPULSION FOREVER. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 39.) 

"In the 'Review' I notice a record of the expulsion 
of a Brother 'from all the privileges and benefits of Ma- 
sonry forever.' 

"I can hardly conceive what species of crime this 
erring Brother has been guilty of to deserve a sentence 
so totally opposed to the whole spirit of our institution 
— forever ! Is there no place left for repentance, to the 
wanderer who has strayed from the path of rectitude, and 
forgotten the teachings of the Lodge ? It cannot be so — 
this is far, very far, from Masonry, as I have learned it. 
Discipline may demand that the incorrigible be cut off, 
but not until every means has been exhausted that could 
tend to lure the erring one back to the fold. Nor are all 
our duties performed, nor our obligations canceled, even 
after love and mercy have ceased to plead for the offender, 
and allowed the sword of justice to sever the mystic tie. 
He may again mingle in our hallowed rites, feel the fra- 
ternal grasp, hear the sacred word and keep it; and 
through the influence of a salutary punishment adminis- 
tered in love and sorrow, and the efforts of his compan- 
ions, again become a true and faithful Brother among us. 
It may be worth while to inquire what duties do we owe 
to an expelled or suspended Mason, and from what obli- 
gations are we absolved? 

These I conceive to be important questions in the 
ethics of the fraternity, and in order to a right under- 
standing of them, it may be well to inquire how the ex- 
pulsion or suspension operates on the subject of it? He 
is cut off from ' all the rights and benefits of Masonry.' 
The door of the Lodge is closed against him, he cannot 
cross its sacred portals — the fire may burn on the holy 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 371 

altar within, as brightly as ever, but it may not gladden 
his eyes — he has ceased to walk in its light, and volun- 
tarily stepped into outer darkness; he has forgotten to 
stand as a just and upright Mason. We are not called 
upon, 'as Masons,' to administer to his necessities, or in 
any way to hold Masonic intercourse with him. But 
are we absolved from remembering him in our devotions 
— from whispering good council in his ear, or endeavor- 
ing to sustain him as a falling Brother? These injunc- 
tions point us to a duty peculiarly appropriate to his con- 
dition: and it is one of the chiefest beauties of Masonry, 
and one that points significantly to a higher origin than 
'the wisdom of man' — that it enjoins duties suitable to 
every state in which either the Fraternity or an individual 
Brother can be placed. Our duty then is clear: while 
we refrain from embracing him as a worthy Brother, we 
are bound to labor for his restoration to the fold, in imi- 
tation of Him who left the ninety-nine to seek one, and 
who was the true friend of publicans and sinners. These 
are my views. Are they correct? 

"Answer — Nearly, if not quite. The individual may 
have sinned past forgiveness — the gulf between him and 
pardon may be so wide that it never can be bridged. But, 
can we say 'forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those 
who trespass against us ;' and yet write forever to the 
sentence which excludes an offending member?" 

REINSTATING. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 193-197.) 

" Question. — Can a subordinate Lodge reinstate an 
expelled Mason, who has been expelled by that Lodge ? 

"Answer. — We had supposed that in this country, 
there was no rule in Masonic jurisprudence more posi- 
tively settled, than that an expelled Mason cannot be re- 



372 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

instated by any other Lodge than that by which he was 
expelled, if that be in existence ; or by the Grand Lodge, 
on appeal or petition. The only exception to this rule 
which we can conceive to be admissible, is in a case 
where the expelled Brother has removed into the juris- 
diction of another Grand Lodge, and by his subsequent 
life and conduct atoned for the misdemeanor which caused 
his expulsion. We suppose, that under such circum- 
stances, he might, by special permission of the Lodge 
of the state within whose jurisdiction he is living, be 
reinstated by the subordinate Lodge in or nearest to the 
place of his residence. 

" We should prefer, however, even in such a case, 
that a representation should first be made to, and per- 
mission for his restoration obtained from, the Grand 
Lodge under whose authority he was expelled. We are 
not aware that there is any precedent for such a proceed- 
ing; but the door of mercy can never be irrevocably 
closed against a repentant Brother. To err, is the com- 
mon lot of all men. Forgiveness is the exercise of one 
of the finest attributes of humanity. 

"The following brief rules embrace our views of what 
we esteem to be the safest and most correct method of 
proceeding in cases of expulsion: 

"1st. If the verdict of the Lodge be suspension or ex- 
pulsion, an attested copy of the proceedings shall be sent 
up at the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge for exa- 
mination and final action. 

"2d. A sentence of expulsion shall not take effect un- 
til confirmed by the Grand Lodge, but shall operate as 
a suspension of the individual in the meantime. 

"3d. The restoration of an expelled Brother shall 
not be valid until confirmed by the Grand Lodge. 

" Under these rules the expulsion would be the act of 






RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 373 

the Grand Lodge, though, that should do no more, when 
an appeal was not taken than to confirm the proceedings 
of the subordinate Lodge. The Lodges should have the 
power to allege the offenses, try the offender, and, if the 
evidence justifies it, exclude him from their own body, 
and suspend him under a vote of expulsion from his pri- 
vileges as a Mason until the ensuing communication of 
the Grand Lodge. If the vote of the Lodge be con- 
firmed by that body, the expulsion is complete, and the 
restoration of the offender cannot take place without the 
cognizance of the Grand Lodge. This course secures 
to the Grand Lodge, not only one of its legitimate, but 
one of its most important prerogatives, the exclusive ex- 
ercise of the highest penal power known to Masonry. It 
affords, also, additional assurance that when a delinquent 
Brother has been expelled, he has not only been justly 
and impartially dealt with, but that his expulsion is for 
adequate cause, and in strict agreement with established 
Masonic law and usage. It goes further, and effectually 
protects the Fraternity against the readmission of unwor- 
thy members." 

RECONSIDERING CASES OF EXPULSION. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 321.) 

" Question Can a Lodge reconsider a case of ex- 
pulsion at the ensuing meeting? 

"Answer. — A Lodge is undoubtedly fully competent to 
reconsider its proceedings, and to reverse its decision so 
long as the subject of its action remains in its possession. 
But when that has passed from before it, by appeal or 
otherwise, it no longer has control over it, and the power 
to reconsider ceases, for there is then nothing upon which 
to predicate further proceedings. In the case stated by 
our correspondent, the charges had been duly investi- 



374 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

gated and the delinquent formally expelled by the required 
vote. This terminated the proceedings on part of the 
Lodge. But had notice been then given, that a motion 
for reconsideration would be submitted at the ensuing 
meeting, the proceedings would have been continued and 
the Lod^e would have retained entire control over the 
case. No such notice was given; the case, therefore, 
stood thus: the Lodge had definitely passed upon the 
matter before it. It had recorded its final decision, and 
the record of it had been sent up by the proper officer to 
the Grand Lodge, for approval or other action by that 
body. This clearly removed the whole case from before 
the Lodge, and transferred the jurisdiction over it to the 
Grand Lodge. Our opinion, therefore, is that the Lodge 
could not reconsider the vote of expulsion at the ensuing 
meeting. It had transferred its jurisdiction in the pre- 
mises to the superior body." 

PUBLICATION OF REJECTIONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 322.) 

"You submitted for my opinion the following question: 
Is it proper for a Grand Lodge to publish the names of 
those persons who have applied for initiation and been 
rejected ? 

"As this has not been the subject of constitutional or 
legal enactment, it must be settled by reference to general 
principles. In my opinion, those principles do not re- 
quire, and I doubt even if they sanction, such publica- 
tion. In cases of suspensions and expulsions, the ac- 
cused must have ample notice of the charges and a full 
opportunity for defense. If, on trial, he is convicted, or 
if he confess the charge by refusing to contest or explain 
it, there is no injustice to him, and there is safety to the 
Craft and the community, in giving extended publicity 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 375 

to his degradation and the causes of it. But, in case of 
rejection, there is no conviction, no trial, — not even a 
charge made. A single black-ball rejects, though silent- 
ly given, and no one has the right to inquire what was 
the ground of the objection, or who made it. It may 
have been made from personal dislike. 

"The rule is right; for no man should be compelled 
to receive as a Brother and intimate associate one wholly 
disagreeable to him, and with whom he never could hold 
confidential or social intercourse, although he might not 
be able to sustain by proof any charge of moral delin- 
quency against him. 

"If the candidate be known or suspected to be a trans- 
gressor, let him be accused and called on for a defense. 
Then justice will sanction the publicity of the proceed- 
ings. But, if the rejection is secret and silent, it should 
ever be kept secret. The sacred principles of freedom 
and equity forbid the condemnation of any man unheard ; 
such a man is oppressed, and we are bound to shield and 
succor the oppressed and resist the oppressor. 

" It was formerly customary, and I trust it is still the 
practice, in preliminary examinations, to require the can- 
didate to declare if he has ever been rejected. The rule 
is a wise one. For then the fact of his rejection comes 
from his own avowal, and this gives a fair opportunity 
for inquiry and explanation. Tyrants and inquisitors 
condemn unheard. The free and the just will accuse 
and hear before they condemn." — {Letter from M. W. 
G. M. of the G. L. of Massachusetts.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 158.) 

"The following is both just and proper, and the more 
acceptable, because it reverses an injurious practice 
which had obtained in this Grand Lodge. It is a good 



376 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

example which, we hope, and believe, will be generally- 
followed by other Grand Lodges, which have heretofore 
pursued a different course." — {Ed. M. Mag.) 

ALABAMA. 

"Kesolved, That the Grand Lodge discontinue the 
practice of publishing the names of those persons whose 
petitions for initiation, passing, or raising have been re- 
jected; and that, hereafter, the list of such rejections as 
shall be returned to this Grand Lodge shall be transmit- 
ted by the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge to all 
the subordinate Lodges of this state in a private cir- 
cular." 

LODGE MAY CORRECT ERRORS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, pages 65 to 68.) 

" Question. — The case, as presented by our correspon- 
dent, stands thus: A. is proposed for the degrees, Blun- 
der a misapprehension, casts a black-ball against him. — 
This rejects A. The next day, B. discovers that he has 
committed an error, and desires to correct it. How can 
he accomplish his object? 

" We assume as true, that there is no provision in the 
by-laws of the Lodge, or regulations of the Grand Lodge 
of the state, applicable to the case. On this presump- 
tion, we proceed to answer the inquiry. 

" In ordinary legislative proceedings, a vote may be re- 
considered at the meeting at which it is passed, or it 
may be reconsidered at the ensuing meeting, provided no- 
tice of the intention to move for a reconsideration is 
given by the mover at the preceding meeting. This is 
the general parliamentary rule. 

"Another method which is sometimes resorted to in 
extraordinary cases by the Lodges, to effect this object, 
is to state, on the usual notification to the members, that 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 377 

a motion to reconsider the vote (naming it) passed at the 
previous meeting, will be made at the ensuing meeting. 
When this course is resorted to, the notice so given is 
considered equivalent to a notice given in open Lodge 
and in proper time. It is not, however, practiced but in 
extraordinary cases, and then at the discretion of the 
Master. If the notification be seasonably issued, and 
proper care taken that each member of the Lodge is per- 
sonally notified, no improper consequences are very like- 
ly to result from it. It is not, however, safe as a gene- 
ral rule. 

"A third rule, and one which obtains in this common- 
wealth, is, that ' no vote can be reconsidered by a less 
number of members than were present when the vote 
was passed, 5 and a vote adopted at a regular meeting 
cannot be reconsidered at a special one. 

" This rule leaves the Lodges at liberty to reconsider 
at their regular meetings any vote passed at a prior meet- 
ing, if the required number of members be present. It 
is found to be convenient in practice, and we have never 
known any evil to result from it. It gives the Lodges an 
opportunity seasonably to correct any mistakes into which 
they may have fallen through hasty legislation. The 
foregoing rules, however, apply exclusively to the ordi- 
nary legislative business of the Lodge. The admission 
of candidates for the degrees, is subject to other and dif- 
ferent regulations. In this latter case, a majority does 
not rule, — a unanimous vote is required; and it is the 
privilege of every member to vote without the risk of be- 
ing questioned as to the manner of his voting, or the mo- 
tives by which he is influenced. One member may, 
therefore, to this extent, control the entire action of the 
Lodge. Such a power would be an anomaly in legisla- 
tive proceedings. The rules which govern such bodies, 
32 



378 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

are not, therefore, applicable to it. But it is legitimate 
Masonic practice, and the regulations of Freemasonry 
are adapted to it. They guarantee to each and every 
member of the Lodge the privilege of determining for 
himself whether the candidate proposed is a proper per- 
son to be admitted as a Brother; and having so deter- 
mined and voted, the Lodge cannot by any action of its 
own change the result. It cannot, therefore, reconsider 
the ballot. If this were permissible, the reconsideration 
could as well take place in the absence, as in the pre- 
sence, of the dissenting members; and in this way an 
objectionable candidate might gain admission. It will 
not do to say, that a dissenting member is bound to state 
his objections to the Lodge, and leave the members to 
decide on their validity. He is not bound to do any 
such thing. He is not bound to involve himself in per- 
sonal difficulty to gratify the curiosity of his Brethren. 
He votes on his conscience and allegiance as a Mason, 
and in this he is protected by the laws of the Institution. 
The ballot cannot be reconsidered against his consent, 
because he might thereby be deprived of his highest pri- 
vilege as a member of the Lodge, to the serious detri- 
ment of the whole Fraternity. It cannot be reconsidered 
with his consent, because the regulations give him no 
such controlling power over the action of the Lodge. 

"But, though a reconsideration of the ballot is not al- 
lowable, it does not follow that a candidate, who has 
been improperly rejected, is thereby forever excluded 
from the Lodge. The remedy is easy. Take the case 
stated by our correspondent, as an illustration: A. ap- 
plies for initiation; at the proper time, the ballot is 
taken, and B. deposits a black-ball; A. is, consequently, 
rejected. This disposes of the case. Nothing more can 
be done with the present application. It is not before 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 379 

the Lodge. But B. soon after ascertains that he has 
been incorrectly informed as to the character of A., and 
that he has done him a wrong which he is desirous of 
repairing. What is his proper course ? To our mind 
the answer is plain. He should immediately call on the 
Master of the Lodge, state his case, and request him to 
direct his Secretary to withhold the usual notice to the 
Grand Secretary, until after the ensuing meeting of the 
Lodge, unless the Grand Lodge shall first assemble ; in 
which case, the Master will cause a statement of the cir- 
cumstances to accompany the notice of rejection, and 
ask that no action on the premises may then be had by 
that body. At the next meeting of the Lodge, B. should 
make his explanations in writing, that they may be re- 
corded. A. may then be reproposed. The proposition 
will take the usual course. 

" This manner of proceeding will not necessarily cause 
a delay of more than one month in the admission of the 
candidate, a matter of little consideration. Under Grand 
Lodges, where there are special regulations prohibiting, 
for a given time, the reproposing of candidates who have 
been once rejected, a dispensation, on the facts, in a case 
like this, may readily be obtained from the Grand 
Master. 

" The candidate having been rejected in error, and 
subsequently admitted, will not, of course, be reported to 
the Grand Lodge as rejected. The object in making 
such reports, is to protect the Lodges under the jurisdic- 
tion against applicants who have been found unworthy. 
In the case as above stated, this necessity does not exist, 
nor is there any object to be attained." 



380 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

REVEALING REJECTIONS (SOUTH CAROLINA.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. I, page 317.) 

"The following resolution, reported by the Committee 
on By-laws, was adopted: 

" Resolved, That in balloting for candidates for initia- 
tion or membership, the ballot shall be unanimous; and 
any member depositing a black-ball, shall not be called 
to give his reasons why he did so; or should he be dis- 
covered, any Brother giving information to the candidate, 
or any other person who is not a Mason in good stand- 
ing, who it was that gave the negative vote, shall be 
deemed guilty of unmasonic conduct, and be expelled 
from the Institution." 

EXPULSIONS FROM ENCAMPMENTS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. I, pages 353-354.) 

"We are clear in the soundness of the position, that 
an Encampment of Knights Templars cannot expel a 
Brother from a Lodge of Master Masons. They are 
distinct associations, existing under independent organi- 
zations. There is not a Grand Lodge in the United 
States, so far as we are informed, which officially recog- 
nizes Encampments of Knights Templars as Masonic 
bodies; nor are they, or Chapters of Royal Arch Ma- 
sons, known to the ancient constitutions and regulations 
of the Fraternity. 

"The ancient constitutions and regulations of the Craft 
furnish the only safe guide for the Lodges. If there be 
anything in them which recognizes Chapters and En- 
campments as Masonic bodies, coming within the juris- 
diction of Grand Lodges, the subordinate Lodges will 
be bound to regard expulsions from either, as obligatory 
on them, not otherwise." 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 381 



TENNESSEE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. Ill, pages 67, 68.) 

"'Resolved, That a suspension or expulsion from an 
Encampment of Knights Templars or Chapter of Royal 
Arch Masons, does not necessarily suspend or expel a 
Brother from a Blue Lodge.' 

" Every Grand Lodge holds and exercises an indepen- 
dent and exclusive control over all Masonic bodies, to 
the third degree inclusive, within the limits of its own 
jurisdiction. It possesses the inherent and constitutional 
right to make its own laws, and such regulations for the 
government of its subordinate Lodges, as it may deem 
necessary and proper, provided they be not adverse to the 
established usages and landmarks of the Craft, and any 
interference with this right by a foreign body, or any 
other order of Masonry, would be an encroachment upon 
its prerogatives wholly inadmissible." 

EXPULSION FROM A CHAPTER. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 135.) 

" Question 1st. Does expulsion or suspension of a 
member of a Chapter imply an expulsion or suspension 
from a Blue Lodge? That is, suppose a man is a mem- 
ber of the Chapter at this place, and a member also of a 
Blue Lodge, at a place some twenty-five or thirty miles 
distant, and that he has been guilty of conduct for which 
he is suspended by our Chapter; does the action of our 
Chapter cut him off from the benefits which he is enti- 
tled to as a member of the Lodge? Does it act as a 
suspension from the Blue Lodge? 

"2d. Is it the duty of the Chapter from which he has 
been expelled to make known that fact to the Lodge of 



382 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

which he is a member, or must the Blue Lodge first 
make inquiry of the Chapter? 

"Answer 1st. It does not. The Chapter cannot legis- 
late for the Lodge. The ancient constitutions know 
nothing of Royal Arch Chapters. They make a Mason 
amenable only to his Master and his Lodge. Lodges 
and Chapters, in this country, are distinct and indepen- 
dent bodies, acting under different organizations, and 
subject, in a very considerable degree, to different laws 
and regulations; and it is not competent for one to legis- 
late for the other. A contrary principle cannot, we 
think, in safety be recognized. 

"2d. It is the duty of the members of the Chapter, as 
Masons, to make known to the Lodge that it has an un- 
worthy member on its roll, and thus enable it to protect 
itself. This is usually done by direction of the Chapter 
through the Secretary. The fact of the reputed unwor- 
thiness of one of its members being communicated, the 
Lodge will inquire into the nature of the alleged offense, 
and be governed in its action and decision solely by its 
own regulations, the laws of the Grand Lodge, and the 
ancient constitutions and usages of Masonry having no 
reference to the peculiar local regulations adopted for the 
government of the Chapters." 

SUSPENSION FROM LODGES OF R. A. MASONS. TENNES- 
SEE GRAND CHAPTER. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, page 153.) 

"The following report was adopted: That when a 
member has been suspended or expelled by a Lodge of 
Master Masons, and notice of that fact has been com- 
municated to a Chapter of R. A. Masons, under the ju- 
risdiction of this Grand Chapter, such member shall not 
T, <? permitted to receive any of the degrees of R. A. Ma- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 383 

sonry during such suspension or expulsion ; and if any 
member of a Chapter has been suspended or expelled 
from a Lodge of Master Masons, such expelled member 
shall be excluded from all the privileges of Royal Arch 
Masonry during the continuance of such suspension or 
expulsion." 

MISSISSIPPI GRAND CHAPTER. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 284.) 

"A resolution declaring that suspension or expulsion 
of a Companion by a Lodge, is a suspension or expulsion 
also from E. A. Masonry, and that he can be restored to 
his rights as a R. A. Mason, only by virtue of his resto- 
ration to the standing of a Master Mason by the Lodge, 
was offered and adopted." 

SUSPENSION OF ENTERED APPRENTICES AND FELLOW- 
CRAFTS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 296.) 

" Question. — Has a Master's Lodge the right to try, 
suspend, or expel a Brother of the first or second degree 
for unmasonic conduct ? 

"Ansioer A Lodge of Master Masons has entire 

jurisdiction over all the degrees it is authorized to con- 
fer; and, as it admits Apprentices and Fellowcrafts, it 
may, for sufficient cause, expel them, — subject to the re- 
gulations of the Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction 
it works. It matters nothing that Apprentices are not 
members of the Lodge. If they reside within its juris- 
dictional limits, they are amenable to it for Masonic de- 
linquency. So with Fellowcrafts. In this respect, both 
classes stand on a footing with Master Masons. The 
rule is, that any Lodge may take cognizance of the con- 
duct of a Brother (not attached to any particular Lodge) 
sojourning or residing within its jurisdiction, upon a 



384 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

charge of unmasonic conduct. If it be conceded that a 
person, who has received the first and second degrees in 
Masonry, is a Brother of the Fraternity (and this, we 
presume, will not be denied), the question is settled by 
rule, and need not be argued. The approved practice 
we believe to be in conformity with this opinion." 

TRIAL OF DEMITTED MEMBERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 303.) 

"Question. — A Mason, who was for some time a 
member of this Lodge, demitted, and has not since joined 
any other, is charged with unmasonic conduct toward 
this Lodge and some of its members, has been summoned 
to attend an investigation. He refuses to be tried by 
this Lodge, and claims to be under the jurisdiction of 
another, although his residence is the same as when a 
member of this. The censurable conduct is in reference 
to this Lodge; the evidence is here. The question is: 
Whether we have the right to investigate the matter, or 
shall it be done by a distant Lodge, of which he never 
was a member or scarcely a visitor? The constitution 
is before us, yet the circumstances seem to vest the right 
of investigation in this Lodge. It is true, the constitu- 
tion gives the Lodge nearest his residence the authority 
to hold him accountable for unmasonic conduct general- 
ly; yet it does not prohibit this Lodge from holding him 
responsible for unmasonic conduct toward itself. 

"Answer I am of opinion, that when you discharged 

the Brother in question from membership, or when you 
allowed him to demit or withdraw, according to the pro- 
visions of your Grand Lodge constitutions (as I under- 
stand from your reference), you surrendered all control over 
him to the Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides. 
He stands to you, therefore, as though he had never been 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 335 

a member of your Lodge, and must be proceeded against 
accordingly. Your most correct course is to prefer 
charges against him before the Lodge nearest his resi- 
dence ; or, the offense being against your Lodge, and he 
not being a member of any Lodge, you may carry the 
matter up to the Grand Lodge and ask to have a special 
commission appointed to try these charges, if you prefer 
it. This commission may be your own Lodge if the 
Grand Lodge so decide ; and it is competent to do so, 
unless prohibited by its own constitution. I should not, 
however, favor such a reference, because the Lodge, be- 
ing the accuser, ought not to sit in judgment on the 
case." 

MISSISSIPPI. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 58.) 

"Question. — Has a Lodge the right to try a nonaffili- 
ated Mason for unmasonic conduct, committed while re- 
siding within the limits of said Lodge, after he has 
removed out of its jurisdiction, as well as out of the ju- 
risdiction of the Grand Lodge under which such Lodge 
is working? 

" The M. W. G. Master answered in the affirmative, 
and his opinion was sustained by a vote of the Grand 
Lodge. 

"This decision is amply sustained by established pre- 
cedents."—^. M. Mag.) 



QUALIFICATION OF MASTER. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 378.) 

"The title of Master is one coveted by many, ob- 
tained by many, and, consequently, many are responsi- 
ble to the Masonic world for the manner in which they 
use or abuse the honorable distinction. Nor does the 
responsibility rest there; for, certainly, those who have 
33 



386 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the power of election cannot be held blameless if the 
chairs of their Lodges are tilled by incompetence or igno- 
rance. I wish that both parties would seriously consi- 
der their various duties and pause ere they jeopardize the 
great interests of the Order for the sake of satisfying an 
unhealthy ambition or personal feelings of partiality. — 
The responsibilities resting upon a Master of a Lodge, are 
various and manifold; responsibilities which no man 
should undertake, unless before God and his conscience he 
feels competent to fill them, and has moral courage reso- 
lutely to follow the strict line of his duty. For a man 
to do his duty, it is of course imperatively necessary that 
he should know it. Here, then, is the first necessary 
qualification in a candidate for the Master's chair, that 
he should know its duties. No man can know the duty 
of Master among Masons, who has not frequently and 
zealously worked with the elders of the Craft, and atten- 
tively studied the principles, objects, and aim of the Or- 
der. Hence, it has been very wisely recommended that 
a Mason, previously to his being elected to the Master- 
ship, should go through all the minor offices, and has 
been rendered imperative that he should have served in 
the office of Warden. 

" Masonry is a system of probation, the 'rough ash- 
ler' alone should exercise the "prentice hand' of the 
young Mason, and not until his work can bear the test 
of the square and compasses should he dare presume to 
sit in the chair of Solomon. 

"It may be a very pleasing, and doubtless a proud posi- 
tion, to preside over a Lodge of Masons ; but true honor 
can only flow from a perfect discharge of the duties en- 
tailed upon that office ; and the title of P. M. is a stigma 
to him whose ski Hess fingers can scarcely handle an Ap- 
prentice's tool. It must, therefore, be necessary that the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 387 

candidate be able to execute the work. To judge from 
the manner in which the work of some Lodges is exe- 
cuted, one would imagine this to be but a trifling consid- 
eration. For my part, I consider it such an essential, 
that I should like to see a Board of Past Masters formed 
who perfectly understand the work, by whom every can- 
didate for the chair of the Lodge should be examined, 
in the three ceremonies and general principles of the Or- 
der, and without a certificate from whom, stating his fit- 
ness, no man should be installed into the chair of any 
Lodge. As regards his moral claim, of course the Lodge 
which elects him ought to be the best judge, and is re- 
sponsible for the action of him on whom its choice falls. 
Most decidedly, he ought to be a man against whom no 
public acts of immorality can be alleged, and with the 
semblance of virtue, it would be well to ascertain if he 
have the spirit also, — one, not given to excesses, but tem- 
perate, just, prudent, with a love of the right path, and for- 
titude to tread in it; charitable, in its most spiritual sense, 
kind and courteous, yet firm in manner; drawing the good 
toward him by his urbanity, and repressing the pride 
of evil by the resolute determination to uphold the true 
principles of the Order against all and every opposition. 
Such are the qualifications that Masons, if they be wise, 
will look for in every candidate for the office of Master, 
qualifications which must have a tendency to raise the 
Order to its proper position in the scale of human socie- 
ty, as their absence has, in too many instances, the op- 
posite effect." 



388 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

POWERS AND DUTIES OF MASTER. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 65.) 

" Question 1st.. Has the Master of a Blue Lodge at 
work, the power of putting off the regular monthly com- 
munication, whenever he may think proper to do so ? 

"2d. And in connection with the foregoing, I would 
heg leave to ask, whether you ever heard of the monthly 
communication being put off under ordinary circum- 
stances? 

" Answer. — The Master of a Lodge is invested with 
great power. A learned and distinguished Brother has 
said, that Masonic 'government is despotic/ and that 
' the Master in the East is absolute in his authority over 
the Brethren of his Lodge.' This, applied to the me- 
chanism and immediate government of the Lodge, may 
be true. But the Master is as subordinate to the estab- 
lished constitutions and recognized usages of the Frater- 
nity, and to the written regulations of his Lodge, as the 
humblest member of it. Here all stand upon an equali- 
ty. Official station makes no exemptions. It rather im- 
poses new obligations, and strengthens those already 
existing. The Master is not only bound equally with 
every Brother associated with him, to observe the regu- 
lations of his Lodge, and the Grand Lodge, but he is 
under special obligations to see that the Brethren under 
his charge observe them. 

" ' The Master of every Lodge,' say the ancient con- 
stitutions, 'when duly elected and installed, has it in spe- 
cial charge, as appertinent to his office, duty, and digni- 
ty, to see that all the by-laws of his Lodge, as well as 
the general regulations of the Grand Lodge be observed.' 
He has also the right and authority of calling his Lodge, 
or congregating the members into a Chapter, at pleasure, 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 389 

upon the application of any of the Brethren, and upon 
any emergency and occurrence which, in his judgment, 
may require their meeting. It is likewise his duty, to- 
gether with that of his Wardens, to attend the Grand 
Lodge, at the quarterly communications, and such occa- 
sional, special, or grand communications as the good of 
the Craft may require. By the constitutions of th 
Grand Lodge of England, the Master, 'if he be dissa- 
tisfied with the conduct of any of his officers (whether 
elected or appointed), may lay the cause of complaint be- 
fore the Lodge ; and if it shall appear to the majority of 
the Brethren present that the complaint be well-founded, 
he shall have power to displace such officer, and to no- 
minate another.' The power of a Master of a Lodge 
is, therefore, great; but it is not unlimited. Neither 
does it, in the language of the distinguished Brother be- 
fore alluded to, in the least militate against the doctrine 
of equality, which is inculcated both by precept and ex- 
ample in all the illustrations of Masonry. For it is an 
authority founded on brotherly love, and, as a general 
rule, exercised in a spirit of kindness and suavity, which 
is the more effective, as it brings into operation, both 
with rulers and Brethren, supreme and subordinate, the 
amiable sympathies which spring from fraternal esteem. 
If the power vested in the Master be steadily maintained 
on the judicious principles of suaviier in ?nodo, it will 
rarely be necessary to display the sterner features of for- 
titer in re, though it may sometimes be expedient and 
necessary to combine the two. If the Master transcends 
his legitimate powers, or rule with a tyrannical hand, he 
is amenable to the Grand Lodge, and may be suspended 
from his office by tne Grand Master. Such are the gen- 
eral powers vested in a Master of a Lodge. There are 



390 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

others incidental to his office which it is unnecessary to 
enumerate. 

"To the first of the interrogatories proposed for our 
consideration, we answer: The Master has no power to 
'put off the regular monthly communication' of his 
Lodge. The charter of every Lodge provides for at 
least one meeting in a year. This must be held, or the 
charter is forfeited to the Grand Lodge. The ancient 
constitutions (Art. 8.) say, that the meetings 'ought to 
be held monthly.' This, however, is recommendatory, 
not obligatory, and leaves the subject to the regulation 
of the Grand Lodge, or, in case of no action by that 
body, to the subordinate Lodge itself. But when the 
number of meetings in the year is fixed, either by the 
Grand Lodge, or by the subordinate Lodge, the Master 
has no more control over the matter than a private mem- 
ber. He is bound to respect the regulation, and to con- 
vene his Lodge accordingly. He has no discretionary 
power in the premises. The constitution of the Grand 
Lodge of England provides, 'that the particular house, 
or place of meeting, as well as the regular days of the 
meeting of the Lodge, shall be specified in the by-laws, 
and no meeting of the Lodge shall be held elsewhere, 
except a removal be decided upon in conformity with the 
laws enacted in this respect.' If the times of meeting 
be specified in the by-laws, the Master is bound to re- 
spect and carry them into effect. The fourth section of 
the article just quoted, further provides, that the by-laws 
' shall be delivered to the Master on the day of his in- 
stallation, when he shall solemnly pledge himself to ob- 
serve and enforce them during his mastership.' So far, 
therefore, is the Master from possessing power to 'put off 
a regular monthly meeting,' that he is bound to see that 
it is held according to the provisions of the by-laws of 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 391 

his Lodge. Nor does his duty end here ; for, if there 
be no article in the by-laws fixing the meetings of his 
Lodge, it is his duty to see that such an article is placed 
there, agreeably to the requisitions of the constitutions 
of the Grand Lodge, as provided for in the 5th Section 
of the Article, 'Private Lodges.' This is made his spe- 
cial duty by the 5th Section of the Article c Masters and 
Wardens,' which declares, that 'the Master is responsi- 
ble for the due observance of the laws relating to private 
Lodges.' The conclusion of the matter, therefore, is 
that it is the duty of the Lodge to fix the time of its 
meetings by its by-laws; and it is the duty of the Mas- 
ter to see that this is done, and that the meetings are 
held as specified. The Lodge itself possesses no power 
to suspend or 'put oft'' the meetings when once fixed by 
the by-laws ; for the constitutions expressly provide, that 
the by-laws when framed f must be submitted to the ap- 
probation of the Grand Master, or Provincial Grand 
Master, and, when approved, a fair copy must be sent to 
the Grand Secretary;' and, 'when any material altera- 
tion shall be made, such alteration must, in like manner, 
be submitted. No law or alteration will be valid until 
so submitted or approved.' 

" In answer to the second inquiry, we reply: That we 
have never known any Master of a Lodge to assume the 
responsibility of 'putting off' the regular communica- 
tions of a Lodge. We have known the business of a 
regular communication to be adjourned ; but the meeting 
must be held, and the Lodge opened and closed." 

PREROGATIVE OF THE MASTER. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 169.) 

"Question If a motion be duly made, and in or- 
der, and duly seconded, can the W. Master refuse to put 



^92 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the motion before the Lodge ? or has he the power to 
decide without a vote? 

"Answer — In answer to this question, we can only 
say, that the Master is not compelled to put a question, 
merely because a motion has been made and seconded. 
The motion may involve the rights of the presiding of- 
ficer, or invade the existing laws of the Lodge itself. 
The W. M. has it in charge to see that these laws or 
regulations are not violated ; he must see them enforced, 
and would be justified in refusing to put a question of 
the character above alluded to. When a motion is 
made, the W. M. has the right to decide whether it is 
such a one as can be legally considered by the Lodge ; 
if it is, he should put the question; if it is not, he has the 
right to arrest it at once, and no appeal can be taken from 
his decision. For the manner in which he exercises 
these prerogatives he is amenable to the Grand Lodge." 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. IV, page 10G.) 

"To some they may appear to be of small importance, 
and not worth the room they occupy in our pages; but 
such are informed that these questions originated in a 
young Lodge, where the members have had but little ex- 
perience. There are many such Lodges, the members of 
w r hich anxiously desire to discharge their duties correct- 
ly, and need and wish information. It is particularly for 
the benefit of such that these questions are presented and 
answered (Ed. Rev.) 

" Question 1st. 'Is it Masonic for a Lodge, during 
its work, or at opening or closing, when all present are 
M. M.'s, for the Master to call on a minister of the Gos- 
pel to make a prayer, and for the whole Lodge to kneel 
down during prayer?' 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 393 

"Ansiver At the opening or closing a Lodge, it is 

very proper (although not imperative) to have a prayer ; 
more especially if a clergyman be present to officiate — 
During such prayer, each Brother may either stand or 
kneel, as in his opinion may be most in harmony with 
the solemn exercises he is engaged in. We are taught, 
when first admitted to a Lodge, to kneel during prayer. 

"2d. 'Should the Worshipful Master open or close 
with any other form of prayer than those laid down in 
the Craftsman or some similar work; though the W. 
Master be a minister himself?' 

"Ans. Any appropriate form of prayer may be used 
from the books, or it may be extempore. We are not 
bound to use any particular form; but the Brother offi- 
ciating, whether he be a clergyman or not, may use the 
form given, or any other, so it be appropriate. 

"3d. 'Would it be proper for a Lodge to dictate, or 
resolve to adopt, any other than the 'erect' Masonic pos- 
ture, when prayer is offered ?' 

"Ans. We think not. Let the position during prayer 
be decided by each Brother for himself, as his conscience 
shall dictate. 

"4th. 'Should not all men be Masons, and that only, 
in their • deportment while in the Lodge? Should a 
Quaker be permitted to wear his hat, or a member of the 
church be permitted to kneel for the usual prayer? — 
Would not the W. M. have a right to call him to order, 
were he or they to attempt it?' 

"A?is. Men may be Masons, and pray either standing 
or kneeling. Masonry does not dictate the posture of a 
suppliant before his God. Prayer in a Lodge, should 
not be a mere matter of form or ceremony, but the de- 
vout aspiration of each heart for itself; while the offi- 
ciating brother leads in the devotions. Where our cus- 



394 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

torn requires us to be uncovered, there should be no ex- 
ception in favor of Quakers. If they cannot 'conform 
to our rules,' let them retire. Masonry cannot, will not, 
vary its course to suit the particular notions of any of 
the numerous divisions of religionists in the world. We 
have one unvarying custom over the world, and the Jew 
and Gentile, — Mahometan and Christian, — all, Quaker, 
Baptist, or Episcopalian, must conform to it, or forego 
our privileges. 

" 5th. 'Has a Lodge a right to retain a petition (either 
from a candidate or a Brother to become a member) at 
its discretion?' 

"Ans. After a petition is received by the Lodge, it 
cannot be withdrawn before a committee has reported 
on it, and then only by consent of the Lodge. 

"6th. 'Has a Lodge the right to retain the petition 
of an applicant for membership, when the same has just 
been rejected by a decided negative vote, on the ground 
that a change of feeling may take place in favor of the 
rejected ; and he be saved the mortification of knowing 
that he had been rejected?' 

"Arts. Where a petition has been decided on by a 
vote of the Lodge, whether it be in the negative or af- 
firmative, the petition remains the property of the Lodge, 
and should be filed and carefully preserved. A proper 
notice should be given to the applicant of the result of 
his petition. 

"7th. 'Can a Lodge reject an applicant for member- 
ship when there are no charges preferred against him, 
only that he is petulant, peevish, and disagreeable?' 

"Ans. A petition for membership requires a unanimous 
vote ; and the right of each member present to decide for 
himself whether he will admit the applicant or not, is 
an inherent right, and cannot be restricted. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 395 

"8th. 'Is it usual or Masonic for Luuges to tax visit- 
ing Brethren who are not members of any Lodge, and on 
their refusing to pay, to refuse them admittance into the 
Lodge ? 

"Ans. It is very common, in many places, to tax vis- 
iting Brethren (except sojourners) after the first visit. — 
Such a provision is frequently incorporated into the by- 
laws of Lodges. 

"9th. 'Would a Lodge have a right to elect a Brother 
to membership, and then to an office in the Lodge, be- 
fore he presents his certificate of his withdrawal from 
the Lodge to which he belonged?' 

"Ans. The Lodge has a right to require such evi- 
dence as will satisfy them of the honorable discharge of 
the applicant from his previous allegiance. A certificate, 
under the seal of the Lodge, is the best evidence. Hav- 
ing once elected him to membership, he is then eligible 
to office. If, however, it should be subsequently ascer- 
tained that he had not withdrawn from the former Lodge, 
his present election to membership would be null and 
void — as he can hold membership in but one Lodge at a 
time." 

ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 133.) 

" Question. — Granting (which you do not fully admit, 
as I perceive by some remarks in a former volume of 
your Magazine) that a Lodge cannot try a Brother for 
offenses committed prior to his initiation, if it appear 
that a Brother has obtained his initiation through false 
representations and in a collusive manner, cannot the 
Lodge try him for that offense, as not being committed 
prior to his initiation, but cotemporaneously w T ith it ? 

" Answer This must depend very much upon the 

character of the misrepresentation made. If the Bro- 



396 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

ther nas before applied to a Lodge for initiation and 
been rejected, and then testifies, under the sanctity of a 
pledge, given in the usual manner, to the contrary ; and 
thus, through fraud and falsehood, gains admission, this 
would, probably, be sufficient cause for expulsion. But, 
in ordinary cases, the candidate offers himself for what 
he is. He is presumed to know little or nothing of the 
rules of the Order, and is not required to denounce 
himself as unworthy of its privileges. It is the duty of 
the Lod^e to ascertain his true character, through the 
ordinary channels; and having satisfied itself, in this re- 
spect, it takes him 'for better or for worse ;' nor can it, 
as a general rule, afterward put him off for any pre- 
existing cause. If the Lodge subsequently finds that it 
has been deceived, that the newly-admitted Brother has 
not previously sustained a reputable character, its duty is 
to endeavor to encourage a reformation, not by harsh 
measures to drive him back to his former habits. If, 
however, it fail in this, and the evil propensities of the 
Brother continue to manifest themselves in his daily life 
and conversation, the Lodge has its remedy and may ap- 
ply it. The great difficulty, the prevailing evil among 
us, is, that the characters of candidates for the privileges 
of the institution are not sufficiently investigated. The 
doors of our Lodges swing too easily upon their hinges. 
The Tyler is not always sufficiently vigilant. Let us 
be more particular in this respect, and we shall have 
fewer complaints of the admission of improper persons. 
As has prettily been said by another, it behooves those 
who have 'watched through the night,' to exercise a strict 
surveillance over the crowds who seek to enter in the 
morning. 

"Another prolific source of evil, is the initiation of so- 
journers or persons who are traveling about the country 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 397 

on business or for pleasure, of whose character or fitness 
the Lodge receiving them can know but little, and fre- 
quently nothing. Such cases are of too common occur- 
rence, and should be discountenanced and prohibited by 
Grand Lodge enactment, in every state in the union — 
Aware of the existence of this practice, many persons 
avail themselves of it, who, through their unworthiness, 
could not gain admission at home; and thus the Institu- 
tion is dishonored." 

WARDENS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 164.) 

" Question. — How can either of the Wardens, in the 
absence of the Master, as provided for in the by-laws 
of subordinate Lodges, lawfully preside and confer de- 
grees? Where were they taught how to govern a Lodge? 

"Answer. — The Wardens of a Lodge succeed to the 
chair in the absence of the Master. On this point the 
ancient constitutions are explicit. Our correspondent 
will perceive that the question is not subject to be regu- 
lated by the ' by-laws of subordinate Lodges.' And we 
think his difficulty, which we take to be a technical one, 
will be removed, if he reflects that the Warden succeeds 
to the chair, not as Master, but as Senior Warden, for 
the purpose of temporarily discharging the duties of the 
Master, who is absent. He is taught 'how to govern a 
Lodge 5 by his experience as Warden. At his installa- 
tion he is charged, < that in the absence of the Master he 
is to govern the Lodge, and in his presence, to assist him 
in the government of it. 5 And though this charge is ad- 
dressed only to the Warden of a constituted Lodge, it is 
equally applicable to the Warden of a Lodge working 
under a dispensation. The Warden possesses the same 
relative power with the Master, in the latter, as in the 
former case, and he is required to possess the same quali- 



398 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

fications. The only difference between the two is, that 
the one is under certain restrictions and limitations which 
do not apply to the other." 

TO APPOINT JUNIOR DEACON. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 160.) 

" The Grand Lodge of South Carolina, in the adop- 
tion of a report submitted by the Grand Officers, on the 
17th December, 1848, have incidentally decided, that 
the appointment of the Junior Deacon of a Lodge be- 
longs to the Senior Warden, and not to the Master, and 
this decision is in conformity with ancient custom ; but 
it is not now generally followed. 

" It has also, in the same manner, very properly de- 
cided, that c Lodges never adjourn, 5 but are closed by or- 
der of the Worshipful Master." 

PAST MASTERS. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. V, page 84.) 

" Question — Have Past Masters, as such, an inalien- 
able right of membership in a Grand Lodge? 

" Answer — When a Master Mason is elected to, and 
installed Master of a subordinate Lodge, he becomes 
one of its representatives in the Grand Lodge from 
which it holds its charter. Having served out his time 
and passed again to the ranks, does he, by virtue of hav- 
ing passed the chair, continue a delegate in, or a member 
of the Grand Lodge as long as he remains a just and up- 
right Mason? We unhesitatingly give it as our opinion 
that he does not; and we have come to this conclusion 
for several reasons: 

" First : There is nothing in the degree itself (if degree 
it may be called) which confers or secures this right. — 
The ceremony of installation, full and complete, together 
with those peculiar admonitory precepts and instructions 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 399 

which are designed to assist in preparing him for a pro- 
per discharge of his duties as Master, are all that per- 
tains strictly to the degree. There is no new revelation, 
nothing essentially Masonic revealed to him. It is mere- 
ly an order in our ranks, — a 'wheel within a wheel,' — 
he is a Master Mason, fitted and qualified (or supposed 
to be so) by a peculiar process to preside over and super- 
intend the workmen. As Master of the Lodge, he has 
certain duties to perform in reference to the Grand 
Lodge; but there is not the most distant intimation that 
those duties are to be discharged by him after he leaves 
the chair. So far as the degree itself is concerned, and 
the imposition of duties in connection with it, they re- 
late exclusively to the period of his official relation to 
the Lodge, and, practically, end when he ceases to be 
Master. It is true, he may be elected to the office again, 
and assume his station without passing through the same 
ceremonies ; — the knowledge and experience conveyed by 
them, having been once imparted, it is supposed to be 
unnecessary to repeat. But his duties only run parallel 
with his official relation. When that ceases, his duties 
which grew out of that relation also cease, with refer- 
ence both to the subordinate and the Grand Lodge. 

" We repeat, then, that there is nothing in the degree 
itself which secures to him the privilege of perpetual 
membership in the Grand Lodge; nor is he under any 
obligations, after he has ceased to be Master and left the 
chair, to attend its sittings or discharge the duties of a 
delegate. 

"Secondly: The general rules and regulations of the 

Order do not confer upon a Past Master this privilege 

These general rules and regulations exist, and have come 
down to us by tradition, or they are embodied in the 
charges and constitution which were collated, arranged, 



400 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

and published in 1721, as of universal obligation. It is 
hardly necessary for us to say, that the privilege is 
not secured by the lex non scripia of Masonry: no 

intelligent Mason will for a moment contend that it is 

Is it secured to them by the written lav/? An inspection 
of that law authorizes us to say emphatically, it is not. 
In order to be perfectly understood, it will be necessary 
to revert to the original form of our organization. That 
was much more simple, and less complex than at present. 
The duties of Masonry were discharged at any time and 
place found convenient, when a sufficient number of the 
Craft were congregated for that, purpose. An annual 
convocation of all the Brethren was usually held, at 
which all attended, even the youngest Entered Appren- 
tice, to consult on matters of general interest, and to con- 
fer the honors of the second and third degrees upon those 
who were qualified; for, although a competent number 
of Masons might make Entered Apprentices, yet these 
could only be passed, and Fellowcrafts raised, at the an- 
nual communication. 

"After the revival of Masonry in England, in 1717., 
the increase of Lodges and Masons, and the social or- 
ganization of society, rendered it necessary to remodel, 
to some extent, the character of the Grand Annual Meet- 
ing; and accordingly it was changed to a delegated, 
body. 

" In order to avoid all difficulties, and that the members 
might more fully understand their duty and privileges, 
the Grand Master, George Payne, collected and arranged 
into form the ancient charges and general regulations', 
and < compared them with, and reduced them to, the an- 
cient records and immemorial usages of the Fraternity.' 
To accomplish this, he had recourse to what was ad- 
mitted by all to be 'immemorial usages,' and to the 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 49 1 

'ancient records of Lodges beyond sea, and those in 
England, Scotland, and Ireland.' This code of laws 
was carefully examined by the Grand Lodge and unani- 
mously approved and confirmed in 1721, and ordered to 
be printed. 

"This has ever since been regarded as the fundamen- 
tal laws and regulations of the Order, so far as its writ- 
ten rules are concerned. And if the right of member- 
ship in the Grand Lodge pertains indefeasibly to Past 
Masters, we should certainly find it in this code of laws; 
for it is but the record of pre-existing and immemorial 
usage. But it is not there; nor does it even mention the 
degree of Past Master. The following, at that day, 
constituted the Grand Lodge: A Grand Master, who 
was chosen by the Grand Lodge; a Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter, appointed by the Grand Master; two Wardens, 
chosen by the Grand Lodge ; and the Master and War- 
dens of the particular Lodges. 

" The 10th Art. of that constitution expressly declares 
that the ' Master and Wardens are the representatives ' 
of their Lodges in the Grand Lodge. Nothing is said 
about Past Masters ; they are not named as the represen- 
tatives of a particular Lodge, and they were not enume- 
rated among the members of the Grand Lodge. The 
inference is, therefore, irresistible, that they were not 
then admitted as members of the Grand Lodge, and 
never had been. 

"A new edition of the constitution was published, un- 
der the sanction of the Grand Lodge, in 1738. In this, 
also, they are not named as members. New editions 
were again published by authority, in 1756 and 1784, 
in neither of which are Past Masters named as among 
the members of the Grand Lodge. 

" Up to the last named period, the Master and War- 



402 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

dens of the subordinate Lodges, constituted, together 
with its officers, the Grand Lodge. It was not until 
near the close of the last, or about the beginning of the 
present, century, that Past Masters, by virtue of that 
title, were admitted to seats in the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land. The fact is, that from 1720 to the present time 
there has been a constant tendency to increase or add to 
the rights and privileges of certain officials. 

"As an evidence of this spirit, and to show its progress, 
we may remark, that the Grand Lodge, as constituted in 
1720, had but four officers: the Grand Master, his De- 
puty, and two Wardens. It was not until about the year 
1730 that a Secretary and Treasurer were added to the 
list of officers. In 1724, Past Grand Masters were con- 
stituted members, in perpetuity, of the Grand Lodge.— 
In 1725, the same privilege was extended to Past Depu- 
ty Grand Masters ; in 1727, the right was conferred upon 
Past Grand Wardens. This kind of cumulation has 
been going on to the present time; and instead of three 
officers, as originally constituted, the Grand Lodge of 
England has now twenty-six, and its members consist of 
the ' Grand Stewards of the year, the Master, Past Mas- 
ters, and the Wardens of the Grand Steward's Lodge, 
and of every other private Lodge. At what time Past 
Masters were first made members of the Grand Lodge, 
we are not prepared to say ; but it was certainly not until 
after the year 1784. We think, therefore, we have satis- 
factorily shown that this right is not one that pertains 
to the degree of Past Master, by immemorial usage, or 
constitutional provision, inasmuch as it was not named 
or exercised for more than sixty years after a Grand 
Lodge was organized in its present form. 

" There is one other source from which authority might 
be claimed for the existence of this right, and if not 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 403 

found there, it does not exist, that is, general usage. It 
will hardly be necessary for us to examine into the prac- 
tice which obtains in every Grand Lodge in the world. 
This we have not time nor opportunity to do. A cus- 
tom or usage, to obtain the force of law, must be of uni- 
versal prevalence; all Grand Lodges and Ancient York 
Masons must practice it, or the usage is not of binding 
influence. But all Grand Lodges do not admit Past 
Masters, by virtue of having passed the chair, to mem- 
bership in the Grand Lodge. The usage, therefore, has 
not the force of a law, because it is not of universal pre- 
valence. Not only do not all Grand Lodges vest such a 
privilege in Past Masters on the basis of general usage 
or custom, but, so far as our knowledge extends, no 
Grand Lodge does it. A right of membership is granted 
them in some Lodges, it is true, but it is by express pro- 
vision of the constitution of that body, and not because 
it is a universal or general usage The very fact of 
making provision for such a privilege, in the constitution 
of a Grand Lodge, shows that it is not a universal usage; 
for, if it were, why make the provision? If the right 
be vested by a law older than written constitutions, and 
of an unchangeable character, it were folly to make a 
written provision for it. But this very fact proves con- 
clusively that it is a privilege which has been acquired 
in modern days. 

" The Grand Lodge of Ohio, organized more than 
forty years ago, does not recognize it, either as a usage 
or by constitutional enactment. Indeed, we know of no 
case, in this country, except in New York, Pennsylvania, 
Louisiana, and Mississippi, where each Past Master is 
a member of the Grand Lodge, and entitled to a vote. — 
There may be other cases, existing by constitutional pro- 
vision, but they have not come under our notice. 



404 THE MYSTL, CIRCLE. 

" The Grand Lodge of Kentucky admits them to a 
seat, and allows them to be heard, but only gives the 
whole of them one vote collectively. Virginia does the 
same. Indiana has the same provision. 

"As to the policy of such a practice, we have strong 
doubts. The only reason that is urged for it is, that 
Past Masters are supposed to be better qualified to legis- 
late for the Craft, because of their experience. In some 
cases, this may be so; but it is not in all cases. Many 
who have never presided over a Lodge in their lives, 
have a much more accurate knowledge of the principles 
and usages of Masonry, than many Past Masters. 

"The knowledge which should qualify a man for a 

seat in the Grand Lodge, is not confined to the chair 

The knowledge which pertains exclusively to the chair 
is not a matter on which a Grand Lodge legislates.^- 
Nothing beyond the third degree comes before a Grand 
Lodge, — they are confined there to the three degrees of 
Masonry, and the sources of information on these de- 
grees are as accessible to a Master Mason as to a Past 
Master. 

"Another objection to the policy is, that it gives a cer- 
tain class of Masons a preponderance of power in the 
Grand Lodge; especially when it is permanently located, 
as is the case in New York, England, and a few other 
Masonic jurisdictions. A man may be a Past Master 
in London, and while he retains a membership in a sub 
ordinate Lodge by the payment of annual dues, whether 
he meets with the Lodge once in five years, or takes 
any interest in the prosperity of the Order, or knows any- 
thing about its wants or not ; he can go into the Grand 
Lodge and vote on matters of the first importance to the 
working members. Is this right? 

"Again: A Past Master, residing in London, is 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 405 

always on hand to vote, while the working members of 
that body are scattered all over the kingdom, and the 
provinces, and frequently find it impossible to attend the 
Grand Lodge. This advantage in favor of particular lo- 
calities is strongly shown in the case of Pennsylvania, 
New York, and Louisiana. The controlling power h 
at the seat of the Grand Lodge. The numerous Pas 1 
Masters in the Lodges there, can, without any difficulty 
at any time, when an important vote is to be taken, gc 
in and give their votes ; while Past Masters residing at £ 
distance cannot attend at all, or only at a great sacrifice 
of time and means; as no Past Masters are paid for 
attendance. 

"This state of things is in conflict with that condi- 
tion of equality — that meeting upon the Level — those 
equal rights which should exist among Masons, and 
especially in every Masonic body. In such, and, indeedj 
in all Masonic bodies, harmony should be — must be pre- 
served. And no principle, law, or usage, in Masonry, 
requires a course of action that would disturb the har- 
mony of the body. But such a usage does tend to the 
destruction of harmony. It has already destroyed it in 
some Grand Lodges, and it is a cause of constant com- 
plaint in others. 

"The Order existed and flourished long before Past 
Masters laid claim to such prerogative ; it does still where 
no such claim is asserted; and w r e have no doubt it w r ill 
long after the abstraction is forgotten. The right, so 
called, is no part of Masonry ; because Masonry has ex- 
isted, and does and will exist, when and where no such 
right is dreamed of. Why, then, let it create discord? 
Surely the harmony and prosperity of the Craft is of 
vastly more importance than this honorary distinction — 
We would rather give up a thousand abstractions, than 



406 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

•udely wrest one stone from the Temple of Masonry. — 
fhct structure, so venerable from age, association, and 
isefulness, and on whose walls are inscribed the noblest 
lames in the records of time, Oh, touch it not ! On its 
oages are written names which are the synonym of va- 
.or, of virtue, and patriotism. Never, no never defile 
;he Temple where Washington worshiped, or which 
Franklin, La Fayette, and Warren consecrated by their 
presence." 

PREROGATIVES OF DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. V, page 9.) 

"Our attention has been called by a respected corres- 
pondent to an item in the proceedings of the Grand 
Lodge of Florida. The facts were about as follows : A. 
had been initiated in a Lodge, and sometime thereafter, 
he happened to be in a distant town of the same state, 
where a Lodge was at work. Being anxious to take the 
second degree, and the Lodge being willing to confer it, 
the Deputy Grand Master granted a dispensation au- 
thorizing the Lodge to confer the second degree upon 
him, without obtaining the consent of the Lodge in 
which he was initiated. 

u Question. — Had the Deputy Grand Master the 
power to grant such a dispensation? 

"Answer. — As a general rule, we look to the consti- 
tution and rules of a Grand Lodge to see with what 
powers the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master are 
invested. We do not know what powers the Grand 
Lodge of Florida may have placed in the hands of the 
Deputy Grand Master, and are, therefore, not capable 
of deciding in the case in question. There is no general 
law, so far as we are aware, authorizing the Deputy 
Grand Master to exercise such powers ; and if it is not 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 407 

expressly delegated to him by the Grand Lodge of Flo- 
rida, it does not belong to him. A Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter, while his superior officer is present, or in the exer- 
cise of his office, fills a very small space. But, should 
the office of M. W. G. Master be vacated by death or 
removal, then the Deputy fills his place and exercises all 
his prerogatives, until a successor is elected and in- 
stalled. We should inquire, then, has the Grand Mas- 
ter the right to grant such dispensations as that referred 
to? We think not, unless it be by a special grant from 
the Grand Lodge. The same remark applies to the De- 
puty. If the prerogative be invested in the Grand Mas- 
ter, then the Deputy can only exercise it when the office 
of Grand Master becomes vacant; unless the right is 
also conferred upon the Deputy in common with his su- 
perior. Unless the power is conferred upon one or both 
of these officers, by special grant from the Grand Lodge, 
it does not reside in them, nor in either of them. Such, 
at least, is our opinion. As to the policy of investing 
any officer with such power, we have great doubts. The 
less the rights and privileges of subordinate Lodges are 
interfered with, the better. The jurisdiction of a subor- 
dinate Lodge is absolute; if it wishes, or is willing to 
part with its rights in any given case, for the accommo- 
dation of any individual, it is very easy to ask it, and 
easy for the Lodge to grant it, if it sees proper. The 
peace and harmony of Lodges should never be disturbed 
for the sake of merely gratifying the wishes of an indi- 
vidual." 

ROYAL ARCH MASON. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 197.) 

w Question. — Can a Royal Arch Mason, not an officer 
in any Lodge, open and close a Master's Lodge in the 
absence of all or any of the governing officers, without 



408 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the order of the W. Master, or of the Senior and Ju- 
nior Wardens, he being a member of said Lodge? 

"Answer. — The degree (of P. M.), if such it be, as 
conferred in the Chapter, is to be regarded as merely a 
preparatory measure to further advancement in Masonry. 
It does not confer any of the privileges to which a Past 
Master, in the true sense of the term, is entitled. Breth 
ren so receiving the degree are not recognized as such by 
those Grand Lodges, of which Past Masters, by virtue 
of their rank, are admitted as members. They are not 
Past Masters in the true and legitimate sense of the 
phrase. In our humble judgment, a great error was com- 
mitted, when the power of making nominal Past Mas- 
ters was conceded to, or assumed by, the Chapters 

There was no necessity for it. The degree, or ceremo- 
ny, or whatever else it may be called, has no actual 
necessan connection with the Royal Arch or any other 
degree conferred in the Chapter. But this is an error, 
if it be one, for which there is, probably, now no reme- 
dy, none that will be likely to be adopted. We must, 
therefore, make the best of it, and endeavor to keep the 
evil within its present limits. To this end we should 
not hesitate to reject at once, and decisively, all such 
claims as that set up in the case referred to by our cor- 
respondent. The Companion claiming the right as Past 
Master to open the Lodge, was undoubtedly sincere in 
the belief that he possessed the authority; but he was 
mistaken. He possesses no powers which are not com 
mon to every other member of the Lodge who has at- 
tained the rank of Master Mason. 

" The Past Master's degree, as given in the Chap- 
ters, confers no privileges on the recipient of which he 
can avail himself in a Lodge of Master Masons, except 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 409 

that of being present whenever the Lodge ma}' have oc- 
casion to open in that degree. 53 

VACANCIES IN A LODGE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, pages 225-230.) 

"Question. — Impressed with the idea, that after the 
installation of the three principal officers of a subordi- 
nate Lodge, no vacancies .could occur in said offices, 
which the Lodge would be authorized to fill in the inte- 
rim by a new election, I embraced this as a principle, 
in a report and resolutions made to the Grand Lodge on 
yesterday, as chairman of a committee to whom certain 

by-laws of our subordinate Lodges had been referred - 

Doubts were entertained by some of the members of the 
Grand Lodge as to the validity of the principle in re- 
spect to any of the said offices : others contended that it 
was supported by the ancient rules and regulations, so 
far as the office of Master was concerned, but not as to 
the Wardens, and the subject was referred back to the 
committee for further consideration, the object being to 
consult authorities on the subject; and arrive at the true 
ground. I am induced, under the above circumstances, 
to ask your opinion on the matter, and to request a refe- 
rence to authorities on the subject, hoping that your in- 
terest in the Order may so far outweigh the trouble im- 
posed on you by this request, as to induce you to grant 
the benefit of your well-known knowledge and experi- 
ence in such matters. 

"Answer. — Dr. Dalcho lays it down as a constitutional 
rule, founded on the ancient landmarks of the Fraternity, 
that 'no officer can resign his office after he is installed, 
nor can any election be held but at the constitutional 
meeting for that purpose.' That is, at the meeting fixed 
by the by-laws of the Lodge, under the sanction of the 



410 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Grand Lodge, for the election of officers. If this be a 
sound rule, and is sustained by the ancient landmarks of 
the Institution, it covers the whole ground, and settles 
the inquiry of our correspondent. But is it so? 

"The earliest written regulation bearing upon the sub- 
ject, given in the books, was adopted by the Grand 
Lodge of England, on the 25th November, 1723, when 
it was agreed, that 'if a particular Lodge is deposed, or 
demits, the Senior Warden shall forthwith fill the Mas- 
ter's chair, until the next time of choosing. 5 

"This may, therefore, be regarded as the ancient 
usage in respect to vacancies in the Mastership of the 
Lodge, and to this extent answers the inquiry of our 
correspondent. It recognizes the principle, that if a va- 
cancy occur in the office of Master, it cannot be filled 
'until the next time of choosing, 5 that is, the next regu- 
lar meeting for the choice of officers. The regulation on 
this subject in the present constitutions of the Grand 
Lodge of England is as follows: 

"'If the Master should die, be removed, or be inca- 
pable of discharging the duties of his office, the Senior 
Warden, and in the absence of the Senior Warden, the 
Junior Warden, and in the absence of both Wardens, 
then the immediate Past Master, or in his absence, the 
Senior Past Master, shall act as Master, in summoning 
the Lodge until the next election of officers. 5 

"This, like the preceding regulation, is restricted in 
its application to vacancies in the office of Master; nei- 
ther provides for the filling of vacancies in the Warden- 
ships. Under the English constitutions, the Wardens 
are appointed by the Master, not by election, and they 
may be removed by him, with the consent of the Lodge, 
if he shall be dissatisfied with their conduct; in which 
case, he is authorized to nominate others to fill their 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 411 

places. This regulation is based on ancient usage, and 
is consistent with the earliest practice among the Lodges. 
The principle established by it, or on which it is predi- 
cated, would seem to be, that a vacancy in an election 
office can be rilled only at the constitutional meeting for 
the choice of officers ; or, in other words, no election of 
officers can take place at any other time than that pre- 
scribed by the Grand Constitutions, or the by-laws of 
the Lodge, adopted under the sanction and approbation 
of the Grand Lodge. But vacancies in all others than 
elective offices, may be filled by the Master, as occasion 
may require. Such are the principle and practice at pre- 
sent recognized by the Grand Lodge of England, and 
both are consistent with ancient Masonic usage. 

"In America, all the principal officers of a Lodge are 
elected by ballot; a practice which, we presume, has 
been adopted as being more agreeable to the genius of 
the country and character of its institution. 

"But it is manifestly a departure from the ancient 
usage. The succession of the Wardens to the chair, in 
the absence of the Master, is generally recognized as a 
correct practice. But in the matter of filling vacancies, 
there is much less uniformity. The constitutions of the 
Grand Lodges of the several states, are, with one or two 
exceptions, wholly silent on the subject. They provide 
amply enough, perhaps, for their own bodies, but make 
no provision, in this particular, for their subordinate 
Lodges. 

" From the foregoing, we think, the following conclu- 
sions are deducible: 

"1st. That by the ancient written regulations and es- 
tablished usages of Masonry, a vacancy in the office of 
Master of a Lodge, occasioned by death or other cause, 
cannot be filled, except at the prescribed time for the 



412 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

election of officers ; and that on the occurrence of such 
vacancy, the Senior Warden succeeds to the chair. It 
is proper, however, here to remark, that another practice 
has, for the last hundred years, extensively prevailed, 
and is considered by well-informed Masons to be the 
most legitimate and consistent. It is this: On the occur- 
rence of a vacancy in the chair, the Senior Warden con- 
venes the Lodge, when the last surviving Past Master is 
invited to assume the duties of Master, until the ensuing 
election ; or, in the absence of the last Past Master, the 
Senior Past Master takes the chair. One reason for this 
practice is, that none other than a regularly-installed 
Master can, with propriety, preside over the Lodge, and 
discharge trie necessary duties of Master. Another is: 
That the organization of the Lodge is not disturbed by the 
promotion of its Officers. This, in spirit, is the present 
practice under the Grand Lodge of England. c In the 
Master's absence, 5 say the constitutions of that body, 
'the immediate Past Master, or, if he be absent, the Se- 
nior Past Master of the Lodge present, shall take the 
chair; if neither the Past Master nor any Past Master 
of the Lodge be present, then the Senior Warden, and 
in his absence the Junior Warden, shall rule the Lodge.' 
The Lodge, however, in case of vacancy in the chair, 
must be summoned by the Senior Warden, under whose 
authority the Past Master officiates. 

"2d. The Wardens were anciently appointed by the 
Master, and vacancies in those offices could, at any time, 
be rilled by the appointing power: this is the present 
English practice. In Scotland, and in this country, the 
Wardens are elected. 

" The question is, whether the change in the practice 
authorizes a corresponding change in the principle ? If 
the affirmative of this be conceded, then such vacancies 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 413 

cannot be filled except at the annual election. The prac- 
tice in this respect is not uniform. Under the Scotch 
constitution, they could be filled by election, at the con- 
venience of the Lodge: and this is also authorized by 
the constitution of Maryland. The constitution of other 
Grand Lodges, so far as we have been able to consult 
them, are silent on the subject. Our own opinion is, 
that the practice which prevailed in the Grand Lodges, 
prior to the publication of the first edition of the consti- 
tution, is not only most consistent with ancient usage, 
but will be found to be the most convenient, if adopted 
for the regulation of subordinate Lodges. It is embo- 
died in the following extract from the constitution of 
1764: 'Soon after the first edition of the Book of Con- 
stitutions, the Grand Lodge finding it was always the 
ancient usage that the oldest former Grand Warden sup- 
plied the places of those of the year when absent, the 
Grand Master ever since has ordered them to take place 
immediately, and act as Grand Wardens pro tempore.'' 
This practice, as in the case of the Master, would pre- 
vent any further change in the officers of the Lodge, and 
would not, therefore, disturb the organization for the year. 
So far, in answer to the inquiry of our correspondent ; 
and, in conclusion, we take the liberty to submit a sug- 
gestion, which may or may not be worthy of further 
consideration : 

" The Master and Wardens are the responsible officers 
of the Lodge. The}^ are its representatives in the Grand 
Lodge, and are more directly amenable to that body 
than the other officers associated with them. 

" It is important to the Grand Lodge and to the Lodge 
itself, that the means of communication between the re- 
sponsible officers of both should at all times be easily 
available and certain. The Grand Master, or the Grand 



414 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Secretary, should be always able to communicate direct- 
ly with the Master and Wardens of every Lodge within 
the jurisdiction. This is not, under the existing arrange- 
ment always practicable. It may, however, be easily 
rendered so, as follows : 

"1st. Eequire all the Lodges, in conformity with an- 
cient practice, to elect on, or near a given day, their offi- 
cer for one year. 

"2d. Let the Secretary of the Lodge, immediately 
after their installation, forward to the Grand Secretary 
the names of the Master and Wardens, with the date of 
their election. 

" 3d. Let the Grand Secretary, immediately on receiv- 
ing the returns so made, enter the names in a book pre- 
pared for the purpose, specifying the office, date of elec- 
tion, and residence; and when so received, an officer 
should not be permitted to resign within the year for 
which he has been elected. 

"If an office become vacant, by reason of death or 
removal, it should be immediately filled by the Master, 
by the appointment of a Past Master of corresponding 
rank : and the change to be communicated to the Grand 
Secretary, to be entered in his register. Such a register 
would soon become of great value and interest as a mat- 
ter of reference and history. Every Brother would na- 
turally feel a just pride in having his name so recorded, 
and thus transmitted to future time, as one who was 
found worthy to be enrolled among the { rulers of the 
Craft ;' and, if necessary, he would willingly pay a 
small fee for the privilege. It would not interfere with 
the present annual returns, nor impose any very onerous 
additional duty upon the Grand Secretary." 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 4] 5 

DEMITTING. TEXAS. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 287.) 

" In the opinion of your committee, every Brother in 
good standing at the time, and for good reasons (and we 
can conceive of many), has the right to withdraw from 
the Lodge ; and, by so doing, he does not absolve him- 
self from any restraints, and is still amenable to the 
Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides, and subject 
to be punished for any unmasonic act or offense. It is 
optional with every Lodge, whether she will receive as 
visitors Masons who are not members of some Lodge, 
whether she will relieve their wants, or, in case of death, 
bury them with Masonic honors, for none but the worthy 
can claim these as rights. Even good gifts should not 
be forced upon men ; if the principles and tenets of our 
Order do not command the esteem of its members, if they, 
of their own free will, do not zealously engage in the 
active duties of the Lodge, their presence among us can 
do little, their absence, no harm." 

IOWA. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 125.) 

" We do not believe that a Grand Lodge has the power 
to compel a Brother, a Free and Accepted Mason, to 
unite with any Lodge, and when he has so united it has 
no power to prevent him from demitting, if he be in 
good standing. He is a free agent, may come and go 
when he pleases, but if he will not come, the Grand 
Lodge may withhold from him certain privileges. For 
instance, if he be a nonaffiliated Brother, and will not 
affiliate himself with some Lodge, it may demand some 
Lodge dues from him, and if he will not pay, may debar 
him the privilege of visiting the subordinate Lodges, and 



416 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

withhold from him the charities of the Grand Lodge, 
but cannot 'suspend him from the rights and privileges 
of Masonry.'" 

THE DEDICATION OF LODGES. A TRADITION. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, page 263.) 

"The following is one of the many old Masonic tra- 
ditions which have been orally transmitted through a 
long series of ages, and though it has not been preserved 
in the Lodges of this country, it is still retained in 
those of England which have not adopted the ' union 
system ' of work and lectures. 

"In that system, the Lodges are dedicated to .'God 
and his service,' and the 'line parallel' is made to repre- 
sent Moses and King Solomon. 

"This change was made by the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land, in 1815, with a view to remove from the ritual 
everything which might be construed into sectarianism, 
or which might tend to mar the universality of the In- 
stitution. We give the tradition as we have received it 
from England, our readers will place such estimate upon 
it as they may judge it entitled to : 

"'From the building of the first Temple at Jerusa- 
lem, to the Babylonish captivity, Freemasons' Lodges 
were dedicated to King Solomon; from thence to the 
coming of the Messiah, they were dedicated to Zerub- 
babel, the builder of the second Temple ; and from that 
time to the final destruction' of the Temple of Titus, in 
the reign of the Emperor Vespasian, they were dedicated 
to St. John the Baptist; but, owing to the many massa- 
cres and disorders which attended that memorable event, 
Freemasonry sunk very much into decay; many Lodges 
were entirely broken up, and but few could meet in suffi- 
cient numbers to constitute their legality, and at a general 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 417 

meeting of the Craft, held in the City of Benjamin, it 
was observed, that the principal reason for the decline 
of Masonry, was the want of a Grand Master to patron- 
ize it; they, therefore, deputed seven of their most emi- 
nent members to wait upon St. John the Evangelist, who 
was at that time Bishop of Ephesus, requesting him to 
take the office of Grand Master. He returned for an- 
swer, that although well-stricken in years (being upward 
of ninety) yet, having been in the early part of his life 
initiated into Masonry, he would take upon himself that 
office; he thereby completed by his learning, what the 
other- St. John had completed by his zeal, and thus drew 
what the Freemasons term a line parallel; ever since 
which, Freemasons' Lodges, in all Christian countries, 
have been dedicated both to St. John the Baptist and St. 
John the Evangelist." 

THE DEGREE OF HEROINE OF JERICHO. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 323.) 

" This is an androgyne degree, and is probably of 
American origin. We are not aware that it has ever 
been known or recognized in any other part of the 
world. It certainly forms no part of adoptive, or female 
Masonry, as practiced in France, or elsewhere on the 
continent of Europe. But whether it originated, as its 
authors pretend, in the days of Khahab, or with the 
'Grand Council of Baden,' or, what is more probable, 
with Mr. David Vinton, of Providence, R. I., — so far 
as Masonry is concerned, it is spurious and worthless. — 
In its appropriate place, and in proper hands, it may be 
well enough. But it has no relation to Masonry, and 
ought not to be, in the remotest manner, identified with 
it, and when it is properly conferred, this is distinctly 
stated to the recipient. With these preliminary remarks, 



418 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

we present the following communication from an intelli- 
gent correspondent : 

" Question. — 'Is not the degree of Knight of Jeri- 
cho an honorary degree, belonging to the Chapter? And 
can it be lawfully conferred upon any but a Royal Arch 
Mason, his wife, or widow? 

" 4 The degree of Knight of Jericho has been confer- 
red upon a number of Master Masons here, by a former 
High Priest of the former Chapter in this place. He 
says, that he has full power to do so, and that Master 
Masons are entitled to this degree, and that he has au- 
thority to establish a Grand Council in East Tennessee, 
— that he paid one Vinton, of New York, fifty dollars, 
some fifteen or twenty years ago, for the dispensation, 
and that Vinton had authority from the Grand Council 
of Baden, in Germany. He confers the degrees at two 
dollars. I took this degree in the Livingston Chapter 
No. 20, Alabama, and there they never confer it on any 
but a Royal Arch Mason, his wife, or widow. Viewing 
the matter as I do, I cannot have connection with those 
who have, as I believe, obtained the degree improperly. 
Consequently, I have refused to recognize them in that 
degree, and shall not do so until better informed. Three 
Grand Lecturers in Alabama, all confine it to Royal Arch 
Masons, &c, and none have ever conferred it here on 
Master Masons. Please give me your views, in the 
Magazine, or otherwise. 

" Answer. — In the first place, we do not readily per- 
ceive the propriety, nor understand by what authority, 
the degree is called 'Knight of Jericho.' Knight im- 
plies military rank, a warrior or a member of a military 
order, and is not therefore a very appropriate title for an 
androgyne degree, nor is it all consistent with the ritual 
of the degree. Ladies are not usually warriors, nor are 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 419 

they generally emulous to be so regarded. In the next 
place, the degree does not belong to, nor ought it to be 
conferred in, either a Chapter or a Lodge. We repeat 
what we have before said, that it bears no relation to 
Masonry, and ought not to be in any manner connected 
with it. The only proper place to confer it, is at social 
parties composed exclusively of R. A. Masons, their wives 
and widows, assembled at the house of a E. A. Mason. 
A merely Master Mason is not entitled to receive it, nor 
can a R. A. Mason confer it upon him, or on any other 
person except a R. A. Mason, his wife or widow, without 
violating the ritual and debasing himself. As to the 
story of the < Grand Council of Baden,' and the 'au- 
thority to establish a Grand Council,' it is all fiction." 

LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 164.) 

" Question. — Can the Brother nominated in a dispen- 
sation, as the first Master of a new Lodge, lawfully take 
his seat without installation? 

"Answer. — A dispensation, whether issued by the 
Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, authorizes the peti- 
tioners to ' form and open a Lodge after the manner of 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and therein to ad- 
mit and make Freemasons according to the ancient cus- 
toms and not otherwise,' — this is all the power conferred 
by a dispensation." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 32.) 

"They are Lodges in abeyance and not in reality 

It does not invest the Brethren holding it with the powers 
or the privileges of a regular Lodge, except so far as to 
assemble and 'make Freemasons.' It does not even em- 
power them to elect or change their principal officers; 
nor does it confer on the Master and Wardens the privi- 



420 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

leges of representatives in the Grand Lodge. Their pre- 
siding officers are not entitled to the rank of Past Mas- 
ters of Lodges, nor are they privileged with a vote as 
representatives in the Grand Lodge. They form and 
open after the manner of a Lodge, but not with the full 
powers and privileges of a Lodge. They are placed in 
a state of probation, for a specified time, preparatory to 
being constituted into a regular Lodge. While in this 
state, — not having been constituted, and, therefore, not 
invested with the powers to elect officers, — the Master 
cannot be installed. The Brother appointed to fill the 
office of Master during this probationary term, may, ne- 
vertheless, lawfully take the chair and discharge ail the 
duties of presiding officer without any further special 
qualification. At the expiration of the term for which 
the dispensation is granted, the Brethren petition for a 
charter. If this be obtained, they are authorized to elect 
their own Master and other officers. They are, then, 
regularly constituted, and their officers are duly installed 
by the Grand Lodge. Neither of these acts can he done 
under a Dispensation." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, pages 33-34.) 

"They differ from Lodges working under Charters not 
only to the extent already named, but in that they have 
no power to perpetuate themselves. They cannot add to 
the number of their members, neither can they fill vacan- 
cies, should their original number be diminished below 
the constitutional requirement, except by special permis- 
sion from the competent authority. An essential differ- 
ence between them and chartered Lodges is, that Char- 
ters are granted to the petitioners and their successors, 
while Dispensations run to the petitioners only. In the 
latter case the petitioners alone are known to the Grand 






RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 421 

Lodge, and they only are responsible for the acts of the 
body they represent. Their initiates are not returned to 
the Grand Lodge as members; for not having been con- 
stituted, the Lodge possesses no power to admit members. 
"The members of it are themselves a mere association, 
working after the manner of a Lodge, and not in the full 
capacity of a Lodge. They are therefore required to 
return their initiates for just what they are and nothing 
more, viz: Initiates." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 230.) 

"The only Return required by the Grand Lodge of 
Lodges working under Dispensation, is that designated 
by the terms of the instrument itself, viz: 'A correct 
transcript of all proceedings had under the authority of 
the same, together with an attested copy of the by-laws;' 
and we do not readily conceive how it could well be 
more full and complete." 

INITIATES NOT TO VOTE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 68.) 

" Question. — Have Brethren who are made in a Lodge 
working under Dispensation a right to vote on any ques- 
tion before the Lodge, and also for the reception of can- 
didates, &c? 

"Answer. — Our understanding of the matter is, that 
the only legal members of a Lodge working under the 
authority named by our correspondent, are the Brethren 
enumerated in the Dispensation itself, and none others 
have a right to vote on any question before the Lodge. 
The Dispensation is granted to a definite number of Bre- 
thren, and it authorizes them to assemble and make Ma- 
sons. They alone are responsible to the Grand Lodge, 
or, in the interim, to the Grand Master, for the manner 



422 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

in which this is done, as well as for all their other pro- 
ceedings as a Lodge. The initiates share no part of this 
responsibility. 

"If the Lodge errs in its proceedings, they (the ini- 
tiates) incur no censure on that account. They are 
known to the Grand Lodge only from the returns of the 
Lodge at the close of the year, or term for which the 
Dispensation runs. All the responsibility rests with the 
petitioners to whom the authority to work as a Lodge is 
granted : and they only can be required to answer before 
the Grand Lodge, for any irregularity in the proceedings. 
There would therefore be manifest impropriety, if not 
actual injustice, in allowing the initiates the privilege of 
voting; for it is not unfrequently the case that the ini- 
tiates exceed in number the original petitioners long be- 
fore the expiration of the Dispensation. In such a case, 
to allow them to vote in the affairs of the Lodge, would 
be to place the petitioners, who are the only responsible 
members, wholly at their mercy. However improperly 
they might conduct in the management of the Lodge, the 
censure would not attach to them, for they are unknown 
to the authorities of the Grand Lodge ; but to the Bre- 
thren to whom and on whose responsibility alone the 
Dispensation was issued. 

" Again. Lodges under Dispensation have no power to 
increase the number of their members; and none but the 
members of a Lodge have the right to vote in its pro- 
ceedings. 

"Our correspondent would not concede to the initiates 
the right to vote in the affairs of a Lodge working under 
a Charter until they had been regularly admitted to mem- 
bership; and we cannot conceive any sufficient reason 
why a different rule should obtain in the case of a Lodge, 
under Dispensation. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 423 

SUSPENSION OF NOT TO AFFECT INITIATES. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, pages 33 and 34.; 

" Question. — If an individual is initiated, passed and 
raised in a Lodge under Dispensation, and immediately 
removes into the jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge 
without demitting from his Lodge, and said Lodge after- 
ward acts so as to gain the displeasure of the power crea- 
ting it, and the members thereof are declared suspended, 
how does the individual stand toward the fraternity? and 
if he is one of the suspended and desires to remain as 
one of the faithful, how should he proceed to reinstate 
himself? 

"Answer. — The view of the powers of Lodges U. D. 
(before given) being correct, it follows that the individual 
referred to by our correspondent was not a member of the 
Lodge, notwithstanding that his name may have been 
recorded as such. It was not possible, therefore, for him 
to demit; that is, to withdraw his membership. 

"Of course he could not be affected by any action of 
the Grand Lodge in relation to the members, namely, 
the Brethren holding the Dispensation. In other words, 
the act suspending them did not, in our view of the case, 
affect his standing as a Mason. But we object to the 
suspending of the members of a Lodge in the manner 
stated, as an irregular proceeding. It is a rule at com- 
mon law, that no man is to be adjudged guilty until an 
opportunity has been afforded him to be heard in his own 
defense; and that rule is against all law, and repugnant 
co common sense and humanity, which condemns and 
punishes an innocent man for the misdemeanors of his 
fellows. And yet in ninety-nine cases in every hundred, 
this would be the inevitable effect of a vote suspending a 
Lodge, in the sense in which our correspondent employs 



424 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the term. But, to our understanding of the law and 
practice, the phrase implies only the arrest of the Char- 
ter of the Lodge. 

"It is at all times competent for the Grand Master 
to arrest the charter of a Lodge, and thereby suspend its 
operations, until the complaint can be brought before the 
Grand Lodge for adjudication; and it is equally compe- 
tent for him to suspend a part or the whole of the mem- 
bers of a Lodge. But, in doing so, he must have some 
regard for the rules of justice. 

" It might do for him to say to the Master, 4 Sir, by 
virtue of my authority, as Grand Master, I suspend your 
Lodge, and summons you to appear before the Grand 
Lodge, at its next regular communication, to show cause 
why your charter should not be revoked,' because the 
Master is the legal representative of the Lodge, and may 
be lawfully held to answer for the irregularity of its pro- 
ceedings. But he is not the representative of the mem- 
bers in their individual capacity, nor can they be indi- 
vidually arrested or punished through him. It would 
not, therefore, be sufficient for the Grand Master to say- 
to the Master of the Lodge, 6 Sir, I suspend your mem- 
bers, and summon them to appear before the Grand 
Lodge;' because each member is alone responsible for 
his ow n acts, and cannot be held to answer for the mis- 
deeds of another. If a member has committed an of- 
fense of sufficient magnitude to justify the proceeding, 
the only proper course is to serve him, personally, or to 
leave at his place of residence, a copy of the charges 
against him, with a summons to appear at the proper 
time and place, to make his answer; and, if need be, a 
notice of suspension, until his case has been adjudicated 
and determined. We know of no other way in which 
Brethren can be legally arraigned or suspended, except, 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 425 

in extreme cases, when the Grand Master may suspend 
viva voce." 

NO POWER TO TRY DELINQUENTS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 355.) 

u Question. — Has a Lodge under dispensation the 
same power that chartered Lodges have, to try for dis- 
orderly conduct the petitioners for the dispensation, the 
Masons made under that dispensation, and demitted Ma- 
sons residing under their jurisdiction? If not, where is 
the power? 

"Answer. — The business of this class of Lodges is 
defined in terms by the dispensation. This authorizes 
the Brethren to whom it is granted, to < form and open a 
Lodge, after the manner of Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons, and therein to admit and make Masons.' This, 
we conceive, to be the full extent of the powers dele- 
gated to, or that can be legally exercised by, such Lodges. 
Entertaining this view of their powers, we of course are 
constrained to give a negative answer to the first inquiry 
of our correspondent — referring him for the argument on 
which our- answer is predicated to the Magazine, as in- 
dicated in the note appended to this article (Vol. VII, 
pp. 33, 225; Vol. VIII, p. 68). 

"If one of the petitioners become disorderly, or is 
guilty of unmasonic conduct, he may be removed by the 
Grand Master; or, if the offense be of a character to 
justify it, suspended from his privileges as a Mason, un- 
til such a time as his case can be brought before the com- 
petent tribunal for adjudication. This tribunal may be 
the Grand Lodge, or it may be the Lodge nearest his 
residence, working under a charter. Brethren made in 
the Lodge under dispensation and 'demitted Masons ' 
occupy, in this respect, the same ground. If either be 
derelict in duty or conduct, they may be proceeded 
36 



426 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

against as though the Lodge (under dispensation) did not 
exist. Neither are members of any Lodge in the proper 
and legal sense of the term." 

MILITARY LODGES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 322.) 

" It being essential to the interests of the Craft, that 
all military Lodges should be strictly confined to the pur- 
poses for which their warrants were originally obtained ; 
and very great abuses having arisen from the improper 
initiation of. Masons by such Lodges, every warrant, 
therefore, which is held by a military Lodge, shall be 
forfeited, unless the following laws be complied with, in 
addition to those specified under the head of Private 
Lodges. 

"1st. No military Lodge shall, under any pretense, 
initiate into Masonry any inhabitant or sojourner in any 
town or place at which its members may be stationed, or 
through which they may be marching, nor any person 
who does not, at the time, belong to the military profes- 
sion. 

"2d. When any military Lodge, under the constitu- 
tion of England, shall be in foreign parts, it shall con- 
duct itself so as not to give offense to the Masonic 
authorities of the country or place in which it may 
sojourn, never losing sight of the duties it owes to the 
Grand Lodge of England to which communication is 
ever to be made, and all fees and dues regularly trans- 
mitted. 

"3d. If the regiment, battalion, or military body to 
which a military Lodge is attached be disbanded or re- 
duced, the Brethren shall take care that the warrant be 
carefully transmitted to the Grand Lodge, that it may 
not fall into improper hands; but, if a competent number 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 427 

of the Brethren remain together, they may apply for an- 
other warrant of the same number to be holden as a civil 
Lodge at such place as may be convenient, and which 
may be approved by the Grand Master ; such warrant to 
be granted without any additional expense. 

"Such are the regulations which govern the proceed- 
ings of military Lodges holding under the authority of 
the Grand Lodge of England, and we are not aware that 
they differ essentially from the regulations of other Eu- 
ropean Grand Lodges. 

" How far they are applicable to this country our cor- 
respondent is well qualified to determine. There are 
not, to our knowledge, any Lodges attached to the Ameri- 
can army; or there were none until our correspondent 
issued his dispensation for one to be held in the volunteer 
corps from Kentucky. Nor are there any special regula- 
tions in the general constitutions, or the local consti- 
tutions of the states, providing for their existence or go- 
vernment. The regulations, therefore, as they exist in 
the constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England, being 
in conformity with the practices of the other Grand 
Lodges in Europe, are to be received as the general 
usage of the Fraternity, until different regulations shall 
have been adopted, or a different usage obtain in the 
Grand Lodges of America. 

"General usage, is the 'common law 5 of the Frater- 
nity, and by it all cases, not regulated by statute law, 
must be decided." 

PETITION FOR NEW LODGE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 257.) 

" Question. — About twelve months since, several Bre- 
thren, members of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of this 
place, petitioned the M. W. G. Master, as their resi- 



428 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

dence made it inconvenient to attend this Lodge, to grant 
them letters of dispensation to open a Lodge at Smith- 
ville. The dispensation was granted, and at the next 
communication of the Grand Lodge they were regularly 
chartered. The Brethren did not come forward, settle 
up their dues, and withdraw, as provided by our by-laws, 
and as it seems to be a settled principle in Masonry, that 
a Brother should not be a member of two Lodges, the 
question now arises, are the petitioning Brethren in fact 
members of this Lodge, and subject to the usual quarter- 
ages levied upon members ? 

"Ansiver. — The regulation applicable to the above 
case provides, that 'when a Lodge becomes thus nume- 
rous 5 (to consist of more than forty or fifty members) 
'some of the ablest Master workmen, and others under 
their direction, will obtain leave to separate and apply to 
the Grand Lodge for a warrant to work by themselves. 5 
It would seem, therefore, that before a warrant (or char- 
ter) is asked of the Grand Lodge, the petitioners are re- 
quired to obtain leave of the Lodge of which they are 
members to separate from it. The manner of obtaining 
this leave is not defined by the constitutions, but is left 
to the Lodge and petitioners. It may be done by per- 
sonal application, by written communication, or, as in the 
above case, by the Brethren submitting their petition for 
the approbation of the Lodge, which, if obtained, carries 
with it, in our opinion, the required permission. It does 
not discharge them ; it merely grants them leave to with- 
draw for a specific object whenever they may find it ne- 
cessary; or, in other words, when they have obtained 
their charter from the Grand Lodge. 

" In the case before us, the petitioners first received a 
dispensation from the Grand Master authorizing them to 
assemble and make Masons, but not investing them with 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 429 

the powers and privileges appertaining to a Lodge. — 
Their association was a Lodge in a chrysalis state; the 
being a member of which was not incompatible with 
their position, nor did it exempt them from any of their 
liabilities, or deprive them of any of their privileges as 
members of a constituted Lodge. They had not yet pe- 
titioned the Grand Lodge for a warrant of constitution. 
They had merely obtained leave of their Lodge 'to sepa- 
rate,' and do so at the proper time. 

"At the ensuing communication of the Grand Lodge, 
a charter or warrant was granted them, and they were 
regularly constituted as a Lodge in full and equal stand- 
ing with the other Lodges under the jurisdiction. At 
this period, and not before, by virtue of the leave previ- 
ously granted, their connection with their parent Lodge 
terminated, and they were no longer subject to any of its 
requirements, or entitled to any of its privileges. They 
had withdrawn from it, and become members of a new 
Lodge, having previously given notice of their intention 
and received the required permission. Up to this date 
they were holden for their assessments and subject to the 
regulations of the Lodge from which they had then with- 
drawn. Their accounts should then have been made up 
and their names erased. It would have been proper, and 
more agreeable to correct usage, for the withdrawing 
Brethren to have called on the Secretary, settled their 
accounts, and through him requested the Lodge to erase 
their names from the roll of members. But as they had 
previously obtained leave of the Lodge to withdraw 
whenever they should procure a warrant for a new Lodge 
(not a dispensation, for that does not confer the powers of 
a Lodge), no further action to their full discharge, by the 
Lodge, was necessary, nor by them, except the payment 
of any arrearages which might remain due at that time." 



430 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

REVIVAL OF DORMANT LODGES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 198.) 

"A correspondent has called our attention to the fol- 
lowing inquiry in the Report of the Committee on For- 
eign Correspondence, submitted to the Grand Lodge of 
Indiana at its last annual communication, and asks our 
opinion on the question proposed: 

" ' We will notice one subject upon which we do not 
know that any direct opinion has been expressed as to 
the principle at least. We mean the reviving of dead 
Lodges by resolution. It is the practice of this Grand 
Lodge thus to revive Lodges many years since declared 
dead, and their charters arrested. Is it proper that a 
Lodge should be thus resuscitated?' 

"Answer* — We do not precisely understand what 
meaning is intended to be conveyed by the words 'reviv- 
ing dead Lodges, by resolution.' Usually a Lodge may 
be revived by resolution, provided the resolution be pre- 
dicated on the petition of a constitutional number of the 
former members of the Lodge to be revived. Or it may 
be done on the recommendation of a committee of the 
Grand Lodge appointed to report on such petition. 

"As the Grand Lodge possesses the power to create, 
so it possesses the power to resuscitate. The manner in 
which it shall exercise either of these powers, is mainly 
dependent on its own will. The general regulations of 
the Fraternity designate a given number of Brethren as 
necessary to constitute a Lodge, and provide that, in or- 
der to its regularity, a charter must be obtained from a 
Grand Lodge. 

" The manner and the terms on which charters may 
be granted are properly left to the Grand Lodges. They 
are usually granted by resolution or vote, taken either 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 431 

directly on the petition, or, what is more correct and re- 
gular, on the report and recommendation of a committee, 
and after the petitioners have worked one year under dis- 
pensation. The restoration of an old charter differs from 
the granting of a new one, mainly, in that the petitioners, 
in the former case, are not required to work under a dis- 
pensation; or, in other words, the probationary term is 
dispensed with. By the constitutions of the Grand 
Lodge in this commonwealth (Massachusetts), a charter 
cannot be restored c unless seven of the petitioners were 
members of the Lodge at the time of its surrender;' nor 
until the petitioners have notified ' the District Deputy 
Grand Master of the District, and the Lodge nearest to 
their residence, of their intention to petition for the res- 
toration. 3 These regulations having been complied with, 
and it appearing that the Lodge was in good standing at 
the time of suspension, and made its surrender of char- 
ter, re cords, regalia, and other property, as required by 
the constitutions, any seven of its former members may 
petition and receive the charter and all other property 
surrendered. 

"The charter is indorsed to the petitioners, and they 
alone are made members of the Lodge. The officers 
are elected from among the petitioners, and installed by 
the Grand Master in person, or by his appointment ; the 
Lodge may then increase it's members and proceed with 
its regular business. When, however, a charter is re- 
voked and declared forfeited, for misdemeanor or irregu- 
larity, that is the end of it. The Lodge is broken up, 
and cannot be reinstated by any act of the Grand Lodge. 
A new charter may issue and a new Lodge be formed in 
the usual manner, but the old Lodge terminated its exist- 
ence by the forfeiture of its charter." 



432 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

SURRENDER OF CHARTER .MICHIGAN. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 378.) 

"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Grand 
Lodge, that no Lodge can surrender its charter to the 
Grand Lodge, without first taking the same steps at regu- 
lar meetings thereof, which by its constitution or by-laws 
would have been required for amendments to said instru- 
ment or for its total abrogation; and that in all cases 
written notice of the intention to surrender the charter 
should be given to every member of said Lodge within 
its jurisdiction, at least one month preceding the regular 
meeting at which action is to be had." 

RENOUNCING MASONS. 
(Trom the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 4.) 

" It has always been believed, that 'once a Mason, 
always a Mason;' or, in other words, a Mason cannot 
voluntarily renounce Masonry. The object in mention- 
ing this is, that a Mason in this vicinage has said that he 
renounced the Order, and did not for the future consider 
himself a Mason. The reason given is, that the church 
of which he is a member required him so to do. Now, 
what steps should be taken by the Lodge within whose 
jurisdiction he resides ? As there is an opinion held by 
some of the Fraternity here, contrary to my own, I 
should be pleased to have yours. 

"Answer. — We understand a renouncing Mason to be 
one who has seceded from the Institution, and denounced 
and vilified it. Such a Mason should be expelled. Un- 
til this is done, he remains a Mason, and, technically, in 
good standing, though, in truth, he may be a scoundrel. 
It is not competent for a Mason to lay down and take 
up his obligation at his convenience. A man may pub- 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 433 

licly declare his name off his bond, but his name re- 
mains there notwithstanding, and so does the legal respon- 
sibility which attaches to it. He may renounce it, but 
his renunciation amounts to nothing, and he will be held 
to fulfill the condition of the bond until discharged by 
the opposite party. If he breaks those conditions, he 
pays the forfeiture. 

" If a Brother withdraws from the Institution, and, for 
the sake of peace, says to his church that he will not 
have anything further to do with it, if he does not belie 
and abuse it, let him go. You have no means of com- 
pelling him to attend Lodge meetings. He is, neverthe- 
less, a Mason, and all his original Masonic obligations 
rest upon him. If he breaks them, he may be dealt with 
as other Masons. Nonattendance of Lodge meetings 
will not justify expulsion, and this is the only offense he 
commits in quietly withdrawing from the Institution." 

REGALIA OF MASTER. MICHIGAN. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 377.) 

" Whereas, it is understood by members of the Grand 
Lodge, that presiding officers of some of the subordinate 
Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge have 
been in the habit of presiding in said Lodges with a 
regalia foreign and entirely unknown to many of its 
members; therefore, 

"Resolved, That no presiding officer, in any subordi- 
nate Lodge within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, 
is entitled to wear any other regalia except that of a 
Master Mason; and any attempt to introduce any other 
is an innovation upon the long-established usages of Ma- 
sonry, and one that cannot receive the sanction of this 
Grand Lodge, and is hereafter expressly prohibited." 
37 



434 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 



REGALIA OF MEMBERS, ETC. 



(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 143.) 

" Question. — Is it proper and Masonic for the Master 
of a Blue Lodge to refuse a respectable and well-known 
Brother who appears at the door of the Lodge clothed 
as a Royal Arch Mason and asks to be admitted as a 
visitor? 

"Answer. — We answer, that under the English ju- 
risdiction it is entirely proper. The Master has no other 
alternative. The constitutions of the Grand Lodge of 
England are clear and positive in this particular. Our 
correspondent is not probably aware of the existence of 
the regulation: we, therefore, quote it: 

" ' No Brother shall, on any pretense, be admitted into 
the Grand Lodge, or any subordinate Lodge, without his 
proper clothing.' 

"Again: 'No honorary, or other jewel or emblem, 
shall be worn in the Grand Lodge or any subordinate 
Lodge other than those which shall appertain to, or be 
consistent with, those degrees which are recognized and 
acknowledged by, and under the control of, the Grand 
Lodge.' 

"These regulations the Masters of Lodges under the 
English jurisdiction are bound to respect and enforce. — 
Should they neglect or refuse to do so, they would ren- 
der themselves liable to impeachment and expulsion. 

"We may, however, remark, that it is customary for 
the Lodges in this country to furnish aprons to visiting 
Brethren who may desire them. But it is done as a 
matter of courtesy, not of regulation. Every Brother 
at his initiation is furnished with an apron, and if he 
neglect to take it with him when he visits the Lodge, he 
does it in his own fault, and must take the chance of 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 435 

being furnished with one. He certainly cannot be ad- 
mitted without it," 

FUNERAL REGALIA. (OHIO.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 191.) 

" The following preamble and resolutions, offered by 
Brother Kreider, were unanimously adopted: 

" 'It is a very proper and judicious provision, for too 
much display at funerals is in bad taste.' — (Ed. Mag.) 

"Whereas, there has been some diversity of opinion 
as to the proper regalia to be worn on funeral occa- 
sions ; and whereas uniformity is desirable, therefore, 

" Resolved, That all funeral ceremonies, under the ju- 
risdiction of this Grand Lodge, be conducted under the 
ancient badge of white aprons and white gloves." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 153.) 

" Eesolved, That this (Ohio) Grand Chapter hereby 
declare the appropriate Masonic clothing to be worn by 
Royal Arch Masons, on all funeral occasions, to be white 
gloves and white aprons, with the usual badge of mourn- 
ing on the left arm; and it is hereby ordered that all 
subordinate Chapters conform to the same." 

FUNERAL HONORS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, pages 97 to 99.) 

" Question 1st. Has any member of a Lodge, making 
the request, not under sentence of suspension or expul- 
sion (however he may deserv 3 to be), a right to Masonic 
interment ; or is it a compliment which a Lodge may 
pay or withhold, as they may deem the deceased worthy 
or unworthy of it, and that consequently the interests of 
the Order may be prejudiced or benefited? 

"2d. Does a Lodge act unmasonically in interring one 



436 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

who is neither a sojourner, a foreigner, nor a member of 
such or any other Lodge ? 

"3d. If any other, what evidence of the deceased's 
Masonic character and grade is sufficient to authorize 
his Masonic interment? 

"4:th. Is any Mason bound to participate in a Masonic 
funeral, the object of which he believes to be unworthy? 

u hth. If the members of the particular Lodge engaged 
in the ceremony are bound to take part by the order of 
the Wors. Master, are the members of other Lodges, 
or no Lodge, who may chance to be present as visitors, 
bound to obey the order of the Worshipful Master to 
take part in the ceremony? 

"Answer — A Brother may not demand the ceremony 
as a right, though, if he be worthy, it will never be re- 
fused to him, as a token of respect and affection, except 
for reasons of great weight and pressing consideration. 

"The construction given to the rule; or, perhaps, we 
should say, the practice, as generally established in this 
country, does not restrict the privilege of Masonic burial 
to members of Lodges, foreigners, and sojourners; but 
permits of its being extended to all Brethren who have 
rendered themselves worthy of it by their virtues and 
fidelity to the Institution, or who have distinguished 
themselves for courage and patriotism in the service of 
their country. Nor is it always deemed essential that 
the deceased should have made the request to be buried 
by his Brethren. This is often done at the desire of 
his family and friends; and in neither case, in our judg- 
ment, does the Lodge act unmasonically. 

"A Brother is certainly not 'bound to participate in a 
Masonic funeral, the object of which he believes to be 
unworthy. 5 No Mason is bound to act the hypocrite ; 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 457 

nor are his Brethren at liberty to force him into a situa- 
tion where he cannot do otherwise. 

"The Master of the officiating Lodge has not any 
power to compel the attendance of members of other 
Lodges; neither has he the power to compel the attend- 
ance of unaffiliated Brethren. 

"The regulation says, 'he may invite as many Lodges 
as he thinks proper, and the members of those Lodges 
may accompany their officers in form;' and when assem- 
bled the whole are under his direction. But he has no 
power to compel them to attend and ( take part in the 
ceremony. 5 " 

FUNERAL HONORS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, pages 353 and 355.) 

" Question. — Can a Mason, being under suspension 
for non-payment of dues, at the time of his death, be en- 
titled to Masonic burial upon the payment of said dues ? 
The Lodge decided in the negative. 

"Answer In the case proposed by our correspon- 
dent, the Brother referred to was, at the time of his de- 
cease, under suspension from membership. The act of 
suspension, during its continuance, deprived him of all 
his rights and privileges as a member of the Lodge. If, 
therefore, it be assumed that while a member in full 
standing, he possessed any claim to the privilege of a 
Masonic burial, it must at the same time be conceded 
that he forfeited that claim, when he forfeited all the 
other privileges with which he was invested by his mem- 
bership. These could be restored only by restoration to 
membership. This could not take place after his death, 
for that is the final termination, not the renewal, of 
earthly relations. The decision of the Lodge in this 
respect was, therefore, correct." 



438 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

FUNERAL PROCESSIONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 228.) 

"Question. — Is it not unmasonic to allow Entered 
Apprentices and Fellowcrafts to wear the mourning of a 
Master Mason, and march in funeral processions? 

" 2d. What is the appropriate mourning for a Master 
Mason, and how should it be worn? 

"Answer. — Our correspondent is entirely correct in 
his views as to the admission of Entered Apprentices and 
Fellowcrafts into funeral processions. The regulation 
is : That no Mason can be interred with the formalities 
of the Order, unless he has been advanced to the third 
degree. Fellowcrafts and Entered Apprentices are not 
entitled to Masonic funeral obsequies ; neither can they 
be lawfully admitted into Masonic funeral processions. 

" We had supposed this to be a well-settled principle, 
and that the practice everywhere was in accordance with 
it. But, however this may be, the propriety of the regu- 
lation is so generally admitted, that we do not feel the 
necessity of complying with the request of our correspon- 
dent to enter more fully upon its discussion. 

" We have so frequently given our opinion in relation 
to the second inquiry proposed, that our correspondent 
must excuse us with the general remark, that the most 
becoming and proper dress for funeral processions is, a 
black suit, with white aprons and gloves. The officers 
may wear their jewels with crape. If the rods are car- 
ried, they should be trimmed with black, not white. 

" We regard the introduction of the Koyal Arch dress 
into funeral processions, in any case, as evincive of bad 
taste, if not absolutely repugnant to correct Masonic 
usage and propriety." 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 439 

FUNERAL SERVICE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, page 259.) 

" The new Funeral Service, drawn up by our esteemed 
friend and Brother, Rev. Albert Case, of South Caroli- 
na, and recommended by the Convention, will be found 
in the present number of the Magazine. It is a rich and 
beautiful performance, and cannot fail to obtain general 
favor with the Fraternity. It will be seen, however, by 
reference to the proceedings, that the Convention has 
also retained the excellent service prepared by Brother 
Webb, which has been in use for so many years. Thus 
leaving the Lodges to consult their own preferences. — 
(See Trestleboard.)"— Ed. Mag. 

MEET ON THE LEVEL AND PART ON THE SQUARE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV, page 68.) 

" Freemasonry is a system of peace, order, and harmo- 
ny. The elements of dispute and division are not found 
in any of its institutes. The Brethren 'meet on the 
Level and part on the Square. 5 

"The utmost extent of fraternal affection which can 
subsist between man and man is supposed to be displayed 
among the Brethren of a Masonic Lodge. It is en- 
joined equally in the ancient charges, the constitutions, 
and the lectures ; and the world at large, amid all their 
cavils and objections on other points, are inclined to give 
us credit for our Brotherly Love." 

JEWELS OF THE LODGE. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 232.) 

" Question — It is said that every Lodge has six jew- 
els : three immovable, and three movable ; — the Square, 
Lt;vel, Plumb, Rough Ashler, Perfect Ashler, and Tres- 



440 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

tleboard. Now, which of these do you consider the 
immovable and which the movable jewels ? 

"Answer The National Masonic Convention, held 

at Baltimore, in May, 1843, decided that the first three 
were the immovable jewels. They are the permanent 
and unchangeable jewels of the Lodge, and can never be 
taken or removed from their proper places, to be worn 
by officers of inferior rank, or who are acting in any 
other capacity than those indicated by the jewels. They 
belong permanently and immovably to the three principal 
chairs or offices. The Square, removed from its proper 
position, or out of its true angle, is no longer a Square; 
and the same is true of the Plumb and Level. 

" The above are some of the reasons we have heard 
urged in support of the decision of the Convention, which 
we believe now to be the general practice of the country. 
We are free to admit, that we do not attach much im- 
portance to the reasoning, nor do we think it very es- 
sential whether the first or last three be considered the 
immovable jewels. It is desirable, however, that there 
should be uniformity, and as the Convention decided the 
question in the manner stated, the Lodges have very pro- 
perly, as a general thing, felt bound to abide by that de- 
cision." 

GRAND WARDENS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. II, pages 227-228.) 

" Question. — Have not Grand Wardens, by ancient 
and modern regulations both, the right to preside over 
subordinate Lodges which they may visit? 

" Answer The terms of this question are not suffi- 
ciently explicit. It should have been stated whether the 
visit was to be considered as an official or informal one. 
We will endeavor, however, to furnish such answers as 
shall meet the case. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 441 

" In the first place, then, if the visit be an official one, 
the regulation is 'that in the absence of the Grand Master 
and his Deputy, the Senior or Junior Grand Warden may 
preside as Deputy, in visiting Lodges or in constituting 
new Lodges.' On the other hand, if the visit of the 
Grand Warden be an informal one, having no immediate 
connection with his official duties, he will be received 
with the respect due to a Grand Officer, but will not, in 
our opinion, be entitled to supersede the presiding Mas- 
ter. The regulations on this subject are not so full nor 
so well-defined as could be desired. 

"As a matter of courtesy, it may have been usual with 
many Masters of Lodges in different sections of the 
country to invite one of the Grand Wardens, when pre- 
sent, to take the chair. In this sense, the practice may, 
perhaps, be regarded as a commendable one; though, 
like every other mark of respect, it depreciates in value 
as it is extended, and it is not improbable that this con- 
sideration may have operated to induce the authors of the 
constitutions to limit the right to the Grand Master and 
his immediate representative. But, in discussing ques- 
tions of this nature, we are not to consider what is cour- 
teous or what is expedient; but what is authorized by 
the constitutions and regulations of the Craft." 

HONORARY MEMBERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 259.) 

"There are two classes of honorary membership. The 
first includes those cases when distinguished Brethren 
residing in foreign places are made honorary members; 
and the second, those when Brethren are made honorary 
members of the Lodges with which they were by elec- 
tion previously affiliated. The first is entirely compli- 
mentary. It confers no other privilege than those of vis- 



442 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

iting the Lodge at pleasure, of occupying a seat in the 
East, and of participating with the members in their so- 
cial enjoyments, and in their private Lodge meetings, on 
more equal terms than ordinary visitors. The Brother 
so complimented is not required to sign the by-laws of 
the Lodge, or to assume any of the liabilities or duties 
which they impose; neither is he entitled to any of the 
privileges conferred by them. He is not required to 
serve on committees, or to discharge any of the special 
duties to which actual members are liable. This, we 
understand, to be the position in which, as a general 
rule, Brethren are placed by being admitted to honorary 
membership in foreign Lodges, or Lodges of which they 
were not previously members. 

"The second class is also, equally with the first, com- 
plimentary, and differs from it only in conferring certain 
exemptions, without deducting from the privileges of ac 
tual membership. It is usually conferred only on aged 
and faithful Brethren, who have sustained all the various 
offices in the Lodge, and discharged for a long series of 
years the arduous duties of membership. The election 
of such Brethren as honorary members of their own 
Lodge, exempts them from all obligations to unite in its 
labors or sustain any of its subsequent liabilities. They 
are not required to fill any of the offices, serve on com- 
mittees, or attend its meetings oftener than may be con- 
venient to themselves ; neither are they subject to the pay- 
ment of the annual assessments, except so far as to meet 
any capitation tax that may be imposed by the Grand 
Lodge. But these exemptions do not deprive them of 
any of the privileges with which they were previously 
invested as actual members. They are still eligible for 
office, may serve on committees, vote on all questions, 
enjoy all the privileges, and exercise all the rights of full 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 443 

membership. But all this is at their own option. Their 
Brethren, out of respect for their long services, elect 
them honorary members, and thereby exempt them from 
the labors, without depriving them of any of the privi- 
leges, of the Lodge. Were this otherwise, and honora- 
ry membership deprived a Brother of his privilege as an 
actual member, the recipient would hardly esteem the 
change either desirable or complimentary." 

OPENING ON THE CENTER. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. Ill, page 356.) 

"A correspondent inquires, what is meant by opening 
on the center? None but Masters' Lodges are so open- 
ed. Apprentices and Craft Lodges are mixed Lodges. 
The first including Brethren of the three degrees, some 
higher, some lower in Masonry than others, consequent- 
ly there is not a Masonic equality among them. The 
Master Mason is under a stronger obligation to his Bro- 
ther of an equal degree than to one of an inferior de- 
gree. On the contrary, in a Lodge of Masters all are 
equal, all stand upon the same level, all are equally near 
and equally distant to each other, — as the central point 
of the circle is equally near and equally distant to its 
circumference. Hence, we say, a Master's Lodge is 
'opened on the center.' 

"If it be objected that there maybe Masons in a Mas- 
ter's Lodge of degrees higher than the third, and that in 
such cases the equality here spoken of cannot exist, our 
answer is, that they belong to another branch of Mason- 
ry, and cannot be considered, in settling questions exclu- 
sively pertaining to Ancient Craft Masonry, which con- 
sists of three degrees only. 

" The expression in question occurs in connection with 
one of the forms of prayer or invocation at opening, as 



444 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

given in the Trestleboard. The forms there given are 
practiced in the London Lodges, and are taken from the 
ritual sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of England. They 
are brief, expressive, and, we think, pertinent. If gene- 
rally adopted by the Lodges in this country, it would be 
one important step toward the attainment of a more gen- 
eral uniformity between our own and the English ritual, 
an object which all will admit is greatly to be desired. 
The usual prayers and charges, however, are also given, 
and can be used if preferred." 

TYLERS OF LODGES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 355.) 

" Question.— Should not all the officers of a Lodge 
be members of that Lodge? Is not the Tyler an officer? 
And can the same Brother be appointed Tyler to two or 
more Lodges, when he can be a member of but one? 

"Answer It is very certain that a Lodge must select 

its officers from its own members ; but it is not yet quite 
certain that the Tyler is an officer, any more than the 
sentinel who guards a military post is an officer. Their 
duties and powers are similar, and we are inclined to 
think that the one is just about as much an officer as the 
other. 

"The constitutions are not very definite on this point, 
but they are sufficiently so to answer our present purpose, 
and to show that the Tyler does not rank as an officer of 
the Lodge. 

" In 1754, it was resolved and ordered to be entered as 
a standing regulation in the Grand Lodge of England, 
that if a Brother, clothed in his regalia, attend a funeral 
procession without permission of the Grand Master, 'he 
shall not only be forever incapable of being an officer of 
a Lodge, but even of tyling or attending a Lodge.' It 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 445 

is true, that the distinction is here only incidentally 
made; but it is nevertheless, we think, sufficiently 
marked to show that the Tyler was not at that period 
reckoned among the officers of the Lodge; nor do we 

understand that his position has since been changed 

The constitutions require that the Tyler shall be a Mas- 
ter Mason ; but they do not require that he should be a 
member of the Lodge that he tyles, nor do they prohibit 
his tyling a Lodge of which he is not a member. In 
cities and large towns, where there are several Lodges, 
it is usual, as our correspondent suggests, for one Brother 
to serve them all as Tyler. So far as there is any regu- 
lation on the subject, it is against the Brother being a 
member of the Lodge he tyles. 

"The second Article of the General Regulations, as 
revised in 1754, is as follows : 

" 'A Brother Master Mason should be appointed the 
Tyler to look after the door ; but he must be no member 
of the Grand Lodge.' 

" We know not why the principle here established is 
not as essential to a private Lodge as it is to the Grand 
Lodge. If the Brother who tyles the Grand Lodge is 
not allowed to be a member of that body, there is no 
just reason why he should be required to be a member 
of the private Lodge he tyles. He should of course be 
a member of one Lodge before he is appointed Tyler at 
all: and being a member of one, he may tyle as many 
Lodges as see fit to employ him." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VII, page 198.) 

" Question. — Has the Tyler, when inside of a subor- 
dinate Lodge, a vote, and a right to express his opinion 
on any subject before the Lodge? 

"The proper answer to this inquiry must depend 



446 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

entirely upon the fact whether the Tyler is a member of 
the Lodge or otherwise. Of this, our correspondent has 
failed to inform us. 

" If the Tyler be not a member, he has no more right 
to interfere with the business transactions of the Lodge 
than other visitors and strangers. On the contrary, if 
he be a member, he is entitled to all the rights and priv- 
ileges of full membership. The mere circumstance of 
his being the TJyler of the Lodge, does not, and cannot, 
affect his standing or his rights as a member. These are 
secured to him, as to all other members, by the by-laws, 
and he cannot be deprived of them except for delinquen- 
cy. There would, however, generally be a manifest im- 
propriety in the Tyler's voting in questions in relation 
to which discussions have arisen in the Lodge : because, 
from his position, he is not in a situation to participate 
in, or to attend to, the discussions ; and would, therefore, 
be obliged to vote without a full and proper understand- 
ing of the subject. It is not probable that any well-dis- 
posed Brother would desire to do this; but if he should, 
and insist upon his right to vote, we know of no rule by 
which the right can be denied him. 

"We apprehend that our correspondent may not have 
marked the distinction between the Tyler and the serving 
Brother, as defined in the English Grand Lodgre Consti- 
tutions. The latter is not permitted to be a member of 
the Lodge he serves, and, if employed as Tyler, would 
not be at liberty to vote. Nor can the Tyler of the Grand 
Lodge be a member of that body. But this restriction 
does not apply to subordinate Lodges." 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VI, page 356.) 

"Note. — If the appointment of Grand Tyler confer 
red the character of an officer, it would of course make 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 447 

the Brother receiving it a member of the Grand Lodge. 
But it does neither; and the principle holds good in its 
application to private Lodges." 

TESTIMONY OF PERSONS NOT MASONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 33.) 

" Question Is it proper, on the trial of a Brother, to 

introduce into open Lodge a witness who is not a Mason, 
for the purpose of receiving his testimony? 

"Answer. — It would certainly be improper to intro- 
duce any witness who is not a Mason into the Lodge. 
None but a Mason can properly be allowed to pass the 
Tyler when on duty. But, notwithstanding this prohi- 
bition, there need be no difficulty in taking the testimony 
of uninitiated witnesses. This may be done before a 
committee, in the anteroom of the Lodge, or any other 
convenient place. But, in such case, the party accused 
should be seasonably notified of the name of the witness 
and of the time and place where the examination is to 
be, that he may have an opportunity to be present, and 
cross-examine him as he, or his counsel for him, may 
think proper, and the general rules in such cases will 
permit. Whenever this course becomes necessary, the ex- 
amination ought to be conducted in writing ; or the ques- 
tions and answers should be immediately reduced to wri- 
ting by the chairman of the committee, and read to the 
parties, that there may be no errors or misunderstanding 
as to the testimony given. The result should then 
be signed by the committee, or by all the parties, and 
presented to the Lodge as the basis of its action, or for 
such consideration as it may be entitled to. 

"In trials for dereliction in Masonic duties, the most 
liberal consideration should be extended to the accused, 
every facility should be afforded to enable him to exone- 



448 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

rate himself, and no indulgence consistent with truth and 
the reputation of the Lodge, should be withheld from 
him through a want of technical propriety, or for any- 
other non-essential cause. The object is to save, not to 
destroy, — to reform, not to drive to desperation. It can 
never afford satisfaction, but, on the contrary, must al- 
ways be a matter of deep and sincere regret, when a 
Brother so far derogates from the principles and regula- 
tions of his Masonic profession as to call for the discip- 
line of the Lodge ; and though, when such occasions oc- 
cur, they should be met promptly and firmly, yet it should 
be remembered that justice is the more beautiful when 
tempered' with mercy." 

THE POWER OF GRAND MASTER TO CONFER DEGREES AT 

SIGHT. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 129.) 

" In the city of , there are two Lodges, No. 3 

and No. 15. A citizen of that city, through a friend, 
presented a petition for initiation to a member of Lodge 
No. 15; the member of that Lodge intimated, from 
what he had heard, that the petitioner would be rejected, 
consequently the friend of the applicant withheld the pe- 
tition, and requested a member of Lodge, No. 3, to pre- 
sent it to his Lodge. The member of Lodge, No. 3, 
ascertained that a similar petition had been presented to 
a member of Lodge No. 15, and was informed that it 
would have been rejected by that Lodge. He, therefore, 
took some pains to investigate the moral character of the 
applicant, and found there were some objections, but per- 
haps without a cause. Immediately upon this, the 
Grand Master summoned together a number of members 
of both Lodges, and observed that he was about to ex- 
ercise his prerogative, by conferring upon the citizen 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 449 

above alluded to, the first three degrees of Masonry, and 
therefore opened what he called the Grand Lodge of 
, in the city of M . The constitution 

had established the location of the Grand Lodge at 
M , the capital of the state. 

"After the Grand Lodge was opened, the Grand Mas- 
ter observed, that if any of the Brethren present had any 
objections to the citizen about to receive the degrees, 
they were at liberty to state them ; none were made, 
neither was the ballot passed. The Grand Master con- 
ferred the three degrees. The object of this inquiry is: 
Has a Grand Master any such power by the ancient re- 
gulations of the Order? and, if so, is it not a dangerous 
prerogative? In the case above alluded to, there is a 
probability, at least, that the candidate would have been 
rejected as unworthy in either Lodge. The Grand Mas- 
ter takes the responsibility, and forces him upon these 
Lodges by conferring the degrees upon him. 

"Again: From what Lodge does the initiated hail? 
From the Grand Lodge of W , sitting in the city 

of M ? Such Grand Lodge is not recognized. 

And, further : What body of Masons are entitled to the 
fees for conferring those degrees? They certainly do 
not belong to No. 3 or No. 15, for they did not receive 
the petition; yet, if the applicant was a worthy man, 
was not one or the other of these Lodges entitled to the 
fees? The Grand Lodge cannot receive it, for they do 
not recognize any such power. The constitution gives 
no authority for conferring degrees as a Grand Lodge. 
Is the Grand Master himself entitled to it? If so, and 
the power of conferring degrees at will is granted to 
him, then, it seems to me, there is no necessity for sub- 
ordinate Lodges, for the Grand Master can travel the 
country, and not only confer the degrees, but establish 
38 



450 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the price and appropriate the funds to his own use. Do 
the ancient regulations authorize a Grand Master to con- 
fer degrees in Masonry at sight? 

"Answer. — Before noticing the particular inquiries 
presented by our correspondent, we take permission to 
remark, that on the facts stated, the proceedings of the 
Grand Master, if not positively irregular, and unauthor- 
ized, were injudicious, as tending to disturb the harmony 
and disaffect the Lodges more immediately interested. It 
was a matter over which, by the Masonic usage and 
government generally recognized in this country, they, 
alone, had exclusive jurisdiction, and, with which the 
Grand Master was not required, nor by the constitutions 
of his own Lodge, authorized to interfere. 

"That a Grand Master is empowered by the constitu- 
tions and usages of Masonry to assemble the Grand 
Lodge, for a specific purpose, in any part of his juris- 
diction that may be most convenient for the object in 
view, does not, perhaps, admit of a question : but that 
he may call together any number of Brethren, without 
notice to the Grand Officers, and constitute them into a 
Grand Lodge, is what we are by no means prepared to 
concede. The Grand Master is a constituent part of the 
Grand Lodge, and so are his Wardens, and other officers : 
and it is no more competent, for him, with such Breth- 
ren as he may see fit to call around him, to resolve him- 
self and them into a Grand Lodge, without the usual 
and proper notice required by the constitution, than it 
would be for the Grand Wardens with such Brethren as 
they might select, to resolve themselves into a Grand 
Lodge, without notice to him. The constitutions clearly 
prescribe what officers shall constitute the Grand Lodge, 
and how they shall be elected and qualified: and they 
also prescribe the manner in which the Grand Lodge 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 451 

shall be assembled together and opened. To the observ- 
ance of these requirements, the Grand Master is bound, 
equally with the lowest officer of the body. Our cor- 
respondent does not state the manner in which the Grand 
Lodge in question was called together, and the prece- 
ding remarks may be altogether irrelevant to the case 
under consideration: but from the terms in which he ex- 
presses himself, he leads us to an opposite inference. 

" Our correspondent has not stated his case very sys- 
tematically, nor proposed his questions with much re- 
gard to their relation to each other. We will endeavor, 
however, to follow him in his own order. The Brother 
initiated as above, will then hail from the Grand Lodge 
in which, or under whose authority, he was received. 
The location of the Grand Lodge is immaterial. 

"The fees belong to the body in which he was made: 
though. we are free to admit, that in the present case, 
Lodges Nos. 3 and 15, would seem to have an equitable 
claim to them, inasmuch as the Grand Lodge has, by its 
own voluntary action, assigned to them a certain juris- 
diction, and granted to them the right to make Masons 
within its limits, as the means of their support and main- 
tenance. With this right, the Grand Lodge cannot 
equitably interfere, nor without a violation of its own 
good faith to those Lodges: for, as our correspondent 
very properly suggests, if it may do this, through its 
Grand Master or other of its officers, the necessity for 
subordinate Lodges will be materially lessened, and their 
prosperity essentially endangered. 

"We quote from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge 
of England, as follows: 

"June 4th, 1721, George Paine, Esq., Grand Master, 
assembled a Grand Lodge at Queen's Arms, in St. 
Paul's Churchyard, London, made some new Brothers, 



452 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

particularly, Philip, Lord Stanhope (afterward Lord 
Chesterfield), and then marched, according to the man- 
ner of Masons, to a noble feast, prepared for them at 
Stationer's Hall. 

" At this time, Lodges were empowered to confer only 
the first degree, unless by a dispensation from the Grand 
Master. Subsequently, this regulation was so modified 
as to enable them to confer the second degree, and finally 
the third. But the Grand Lodge of England never sur- 
rendered its rights to make Masons, though it has rarely 
exercised it. This power has, also, within our own re- 
collection been exercised by one or more of the oldest 
Grand Lodges in this country: but never except upon 
extraordinary occasions. 

" In connection with this branch of the inquiry, and 
in answer to the question of our correspondent as to the 
power of Grand Masters to confer degrees at sight, we 
give the following extracts from one of the early books 
of constitutions : 

"It is nevertheless, still the prerogative of the Grand 
Lodge, and the R. W. G. Master has full power and 
authority (when the Grand Lodge is duly assembled), to 
make or cause to be made in his Worship's presence, 
free and accepted Masons, at sight, and such making is 
good; but they cannot be made out of his Worship's 
presence, without his written dispensation for that pur- 
pose: nor is any warranted Lodge obliged to receive 
any of the persons so made, as members, except by vote 
and with full consent of the body of such Lodge ; but 
the R. W. G. Master, with the authority of the Grand 
Lodge, may grant them a warrant, and form them into a 
new Lodge. 

"This regulation was declared to be in force many 
years subsequently to the period when the power to coiv 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 453 

fer the three degrees was delegated to the Lodges. It 
reserves the right to the Grand Lodge, and to the Gr. Mas- 
ter 'when the Grand Lodge is duly assembled,' to make 
Masons at sight ; but it does not authorize the Grand 
Master, of himself, nor by virtue of the presence of any 
given number of Brethren, to make Masons at all. He 
can only do it when the Grand Lodge is 6 duly assem- 
bled.' Nor is any subordinate Lodge required to receive 
as a member a Brother so made, — an exception to what 
was then a general rule, manifestly intended to restrict 
the making of Masons in the Grand Lodge, by render- 
ing such making undesirable and less advantageous to 
the initiated. In reserving to itself this right, the Grand 
Lodge evidently did not contemplate the exercise of it, 
except under peculiar and extraordinary circumstances,— 
such as the initiation of a distinguished foreigner, or some 
gentleman of the nobility, whom it might find advan- 
tageous to compliment in this manner. 

" We have thus frankly, though briefly, endeavored to 
answer the inquiries of our correspondent. We have no 
other knowledge of the facts in the case, or the parties 
interested, than he has seen fit to communicate. Our 
opinions are predicated entirely upon the former, and the 
latter will give to them such consideration as in their 
judgment they may deserve." 

ADJOURNMENT OF LODGES. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 198.) 

"The duty of closing a Masonic Lodge is as impera- 
tive, and the ceremony as solemn as that of opening : 
nor should it ever be omitted through negligence, nor 
hurried over with haste ; but everything should be per- 
formed with order and precision, so that no Brother shall 



454 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

go away dissatisfied. From the very nature of our con- 
stitution, a Lodge cannot be properly adjourned. It 
must either be closed in due form, or the Brethren called 
off to refreshment. But an adjournment on motion, as 
in other societies, is unknown to our Order. The Mas- 
ter alone can dismiss the Brethren, and that dismission 
must take place after a settled usage. 

"In Grand Lodges, which meet for several days suc- 
cessively, the session is generally continued from day to 
day, by calling to refreshment at the termination of each 
day's sitting." 

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE. ALABAMA. 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. VIII, page 232.) 

"Resolved, That it is antimasonic to require any reli- 
gious test, other than that the candidate should believe 
in a God, — the Creator and Governor of the universe. 

"Resolved, That in no event ought the Grand Lodge 
to initiate, pass, or raise a candidate, their powers being 
more of an appellate and legislative order than other- 
wise. 

" Resolved, That the Grand Lodge has exclusive juris- 
diction throughout the state in w T hich it is located, and 
concurrent jurisdiction with other Grand Lodges over 
states and territories where there is no Grand Lodge. 

" Resolved, That each Grand Lodge is sovereign and 
independent. 

" Resolved, That a subordinate Lodge, under the juris- 
diction of this Grand Lodge, cannot reinstate a Mason 
to membership who has been suspended or expelled by 
another jurisdiction, without first obtaining the consent 
of that jurisdiction. 

" Resolved, That it is contrary to Masonic regulation 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 455 

to suffer any Mason to vote, except the' members of the 
Lodge where application is made. 

"Kesolved, That the mere refusal to readmit a Mason 
to membership, does not inhibit him the rights and privi- 
leges to which he is entitled as a Mason. 

" Kesolved, That the expulsion or suspension from an 
Encampment, Chapter, or Council, does not necessarily 
suspend or expel from subordinate Lodges." 

THE ACACIA. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. V, page 72.) 

" Masonic writers, and the Masons generally, are so 
much accustomed, when speaking of the evergreen sprig, 
to designate it by a wrong word, that we feel assured 

they will pardon us for reminding them of their error 

It frequently arises from carelessness, and, perhaps, not 
unfrequently from ignorance ; for though, as a Fraterni- 
ty, Masons are as intelligent and well-informed as any 
other class of the community, they are not all scholars. 
The acacia referred to in our ceremonies is the Mimosa 
nilotica of Linnaeus. It is a small shrub, and anciently 
grew in great abundance in the neighborhood of Jerusa- 
lem. Cassia is a very different plant, and did not grow 
about Jerusalem. One species of it is a native of Egypt 
and both Indies, and another of Persia and Arabia. — 
Cassia is also the name of a species of Laurus, the bark 
of which usually passes under the name of Cinnamon. 
Brother Mackey, in his Lexicon, says, that 'according to 
the Jewish law, no interments were permitted within the 
walls of the city, and as it was unlawful for the Cohens 
or Priests to pass over a grave, it became necessary to 
place marks wherever dead bodies had been interred, to 
enable them to avoid it. For this purpose the Acacia 
was used.' 



456 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

" Make Brun, in his description of Egypt says, ' with 
respect to the mummies, some are placed in wooden cases 
shaped like the human body, round which leaves of Aca- 
cia are often found.' The Greek word, Acacia, signifies 
'innocence or freedom from sin.' This is the Masonic 
word." 

m. signet, v. 4, p. 51. 

Ques. Can a M. M. be qualified to preside without 
taking the degree of P. M. in a regular Chapter? If so, 
would a P. M., who had taken the Chapter degrees, 
do right to sit in the Lodge without claiming the chair or 
assisting him in the discharge of his duty? 

Ans. By reference to the usages of the G. Lodges in 
the U. States, it will be seen, that while they all require a 
Past Master to preside over a Lodge under a charter, 
none of them, we believe, requires the Master of a Lodge 
U. D. to have that degree. Surely, if we can sit in a 
Lodge under Dispensation, presided over by a brother 
who is only a M. M., we can with the same propriety 
do so in a Lodge under a charter. Indeed, we deny that 
the question can be raised in a Master's Lodge. By what 
rule of propriety can we discuss the rights of P. Masters 
in a lodge of M. Masons? We acknowledge the G. Lodge 
has the right to open in the P. M. degree ; and make re- 
gulations in reference to that degree, and each subordi- 
nate Lodge, under charter, has the right to open a P. M. 
Lodge and confer the degree upon the Master elect ; but no 
question in relation to a degree above, can or should be 
entertained in the third degree. So universal is the cus- 
tom, requiring the Master of a Lodge under a charter to 
have it, that it may now be regarded as common law; but 
we do object to the doctrine that no one can preside over 
a Lodge who has not this honorary degree. Now; we 
hold that the P. M. degree originally, and still belongs to 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 457 

the G. Lodges; that though the Chapters in the U. S. 
have assumed control over the degree, and all the G. 
Lodges, except Pennsylvania, have tacitly admitted the 
legality of the degree conferred in a Chapter; yet no G. 
Lodge has yielded its own right to confer the degree as 
a mark of distinction upon the Masters of Lodges, and 
we hope they never will. By the custom of the G. 
Lodge of England, and the G. Lodges in the U. S., 
three or more P. Masters have the right to open a P. 
Master's Lodge in any Lodge under a charter, and confer 
upon the Brother elected Master of the Lodge, the degree 
of P. Master; of course, if the Brother had previously 
received the degree, either in Lodge or Chapter, he need 
only to be installed. 

From what we have said, it will scarcely be deemed 
necessary to add, that we know of no rule by which a 
P. M., made in a Chapter, has any rights or privileges, as 
such, not guaranteed to a P. M. made under the author- 
ity of a G. Lodge, save and except that the former can 
visit a P. Master's Lodge in a Chapter, and the latter 
cannot, for the reason that he has not the preceding 
decree of Mark Master. 



(From the Masonic Union, Vol. I, page 242.) 

" It is not a degree, but simply a part of the necessary 
installation service of a Master elect, who has not re- 
ceived it before, and is so essential that it cannot, and 
must not be omitted. No man can be duly qualified for 
the duties of the Chair, until he has received it. He 
knows not, until he has it, what he may do, and what he 
must do, as a Master of a Lodge. No Lodge can do any 
business, except adjourn, from time to time, which has 
elected such a person its master, until he be duly quali- 
39 



458 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

fied for the duties of the Chair, by receiving this so called 
"degree." This was requisite, and belonged to him, 
free of expense, before charters or warrants were known. 
The Master who served in the Chair next before him, 
having himself had it, and after him any other P. M., 
willing to perform the ceremony, or the Master of any 
Lodge as soon as he has himself obtained it (whether 
in a Chapter or out of it), may perform the ceremony, 
notwithstanding any regulations of any Chapter or Grand 
Chapter ; and some of them must do it before he can act as 
Master. None others but P. Masters and the Master 
elect can be present in the Lodge when the ceremony is 
performed. The monitorial parts, including the charge, 
should, however, be reserved, and the Lodge called in, 
and those parts, including the ancient charges, be given 
in their presence. 

The degree (as given in the Chapter), is composed of 
a part of the installation service of a Master elect, with 
other ceremonies added by the R. A. G. Lecturers about 
the time it was dignified to a degree by the Chapters. 
Originally, it could not be conferred except upon an 
elected Master of a Lodge. To meet that difficulty, the 
Chapters go through a certain ceremony, known to all 
members of Chapters, before the degree is conferred. But 
the whole proceeding is a violent and forcible assumption 
on the part of the organizers of the Chapter organization, 
and cannot affect rights and usages which existed in Blue 
Lodges before the Chapters and Chapter degrees, as such, 
were known. 

WHO ENTITLED TO PRESIDE. (ALABAMA.) 

(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IX, page 286.) 

"Resolved. That no person can occupy the chair of 
the Master of a Lodge in the absence of the installed 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 459 

master thereof, except either of his Wardens, or some 
brother who has attained to the degree of Past Master; 
and when a Past Master presides, the Lodge must be 
summoned by the Master or the S. Warden, or, in their 
absence, by the J. Warden, under whose authority the 
Past Master officiates." 

LODGES OF COLORED MASONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. X, page 41.) 

" We have frequent inquiries as to the regularity of 
the Lodges of colored Masons, which are held in dif- 
ferent sections of the country, notwithstanding we have 
on several occasions given the information asked for." 

A Correspondent at Niagara Falls, says: "We are 
desirous of knowing whether there is, or not, a regularly 
constituted Lodge of Free Masons (of colored people) 
in the city of Boston, chartered by the Grand Lodge of 
Massachusetts ?" 

To this inquiry we answer, there is such Lodge in 
Boston; there is a body of black persons in the city, 
which assumes to be a Grand Lodge, and having under 
its authority one or two subordinate Lodges ; but they are 
not recognized by the Grand Lodge of this State. No 
communication, whatever, is held with them; nor are 
black persons received into any of our Lodges. 

There is not a regular Lodge of black Masons in the 
United States. There are many colored persons who 
claim to be Masons, and from what we learn from dis- 
tant correspondents, we infer, they sometimes succeed in 
gaining admission into the Lodges, but they are not 
lawfully entitled to the privilege of sitting in any Ma- 
sonic Body of competent authority. 

In many parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, and in 
the West India Islands, there are many colored Masons; 



460 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

but in this country the initiation of blacks has never 
been encouraged. 

PROPOSING CANDIDATES, RECEIVING PETITIONS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IX, page 202.) 

"The Candidate must be proposed at a stated meeting 
of the Lodge, and at no other time, unless by dispensa- 
tion ; and he cannot be admitted prior to the next ensuing 
monthly meeting, except as before stated; nor until the 
members have been notified, in the usual manner (which 
should always be by written or printed notification), that 
his petition will then be acted upon. 

Should any number of the members resort to improper 
means to effect the admission of a petition; as by avail- 
ing of the absence of Brethren, known to be in possession 
of information which would authorize his rejection; their 
conduct would be a proper subject for the discipline of the 
Grand Lodge. 

A member is not at liberty to propose for admission 
whom he pleases, without the consent of the Lodge ; 
nor is the Lodge under obligations to receive a petition. 
The usual parliamentary rule obtains in this case. A 
member wishing to present a petition, rises and states 
his wish. If no objection is made, the petition is re- 
ceived. But it is competent for any member to object to 
its reception; in which case it can be received only by 
vote of the Lodge. 

In this case, however, as in many others, a majority 
must govern. If a majority of the members say that the 
petition shall be received as often as presented, it must 
just so often go to a committee and take the usual course. 
But a majority cannot determine the question of ad- 
mission. Here a small minority rules, and trouble af- 
fords no excuse for neglect of duty. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 461 

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. 
(From the Masonic Magazine, Vol. IX, page 174.) 

"The admission of Members (not the admission of 
Candidates for degrees), is a matter of local regulation, 
under the provisions of the Constitution or By-laws of 
the Grand Lodge of the State, when any provisions on 
the subject exist; which is not common. A Lodge may 
require a unanimous vote, or only a majority ; or in re- 
spect to its own initiates, no vote at all ; but simply, that 
the Brother sign the By-laws. Nevertheless, the most 
conservative and safest course is, to require nearly or 
quite a unanimous vote; because the admission of a 
Brother to membership, who should be disagreeable to 
any considerable number of the members, or even to a 
limited number, would tend to destroy the harmony of the 
Lodge, and thereby retard its prosperity. 

VOUCHING FOR VISITORS. 
(From the Masonic Union, Vol. I, page ^35.) 

" It is a rule in Masonry, that a Lodge may dispense 
with the examination of a visitor, if any brother present 
will vouch that he possesses the necessary qualifications. 
This is an important prerogative that every Mason is 
entitled to exercise, and yet it is one, which may so 
materially affect the well being of the whole fraternity, 
since by its injudicious use, impostors might be introduced 
among the faithful, that it should be controlled by the 
most stringent regulations. 

To vouch for one, is to bear witness for him; and 
in witnessing to truth every caution should be observed, 
lest falsehood should cunningly assume its garb. The 
brother who vouches, should know to a certainty that 
the one for whom he vouches, is really what he claims 



462 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

to be. He should know this, not from a casual con- 
versation, nor a loose and careless inquiry, but from 
"strict trial, due examination, or lawful information." 
These are the three requisites which the landmarks have 
laid down as essentially necessary to authorize the act 
of vouching. Let us inquire into the import of each. 

1. Strict Trial. By this is meant that every question 
shall be asked, and every answer demanded, which is 
necessary to convince the examiner that the party ex- 
amined is acquainted with what he ought to know, to 
entitle him to the appellation of brother. Nothing is to 
be taken for granted — categorical answers must be re- 
turned to all that is deemed important to be asked; no 
forgetfulness is to be excused, nor is the want of memory 
to bs considered as a valid reason for the want of know- 
ledge. The Mason who is so unmindful of his obliga- 
tions as to have forgotten the instruction he has received, 
must pay the penalty of his carelessness, and be deprived 
of his contemplated visit to that society, whose secret 
modes of recognition he has so little valued, as not to 
have treasured them in his memory. The strict trial 
refers to the matter which is sought to be obtained by 
inquiry, and while there are some things which may 
safely be passed over in the investigation of one who 
confesses himself to be "rusty," because they are details 
which require much study to acquire, and constant prac- 
tice to retain, there are still other things of great impor- 
tance, which must be rigidly demanded. 

2. Due Examination. — If strict trial refers to the 
matter, due examination attends to the mode of investi- 
gation. This must be conducted with all the necessary 
forms and antecedent precautions. Inquiries should be 
made as to the time and place of initiation, as a pre- 
liminary step; the Tyler's O. B. ? of course, never 



RESOLUTION'S, DECISIONS, ETC. 463 

being omitted. Then the good old rule of "com- 
mencing at the beginning," should be pursued. Let 
everything go on in its regular course, not varying in 
the slightest degree, from the order in which it is sup- 
posed the information sought, was originally received. 
Whatever be the suspicions of imposture, let no ex- 
pression of suspicions be made until the final decree for 
rejection be made. And let that decree be uttered in 
general terms, such as, "I am not satisfied," or "I do 
not recognize you ; " and not in more specific language, 
such as, "You did not answer this inquiry," or "You 
are ignorant on that point." The candidate for exami- 
nation is only entitled to know that he has not com- 
plied, generally, with the requisitions of his examiner. 
To descend to particulars, is always improper, and 
often dangerous. Above all, never ask what lawyers 
call "leading questions," which include in themselves 
the answers, nor in any manner aid the memory, or 
prompt the forgetfulness of the party examined by the 
slightest hints. If he has it in him, it will come out 
without assistance, and if he has it not, he is clearly en- 
titled to no aid. 

3. Lawful Information. — This authority for vouch- 
ing is dependent on what we have already described. 
For no Mason can lawfully give information of another's 
qualifications, unless he has actually tested him by this 
mode of trial and examination, or knows that it has been 
done by another. But it is not every Mason, who is com- 
petent to give "lawful information." Ignorant and un- 
skillful brethren cannot do so because they are incapable of 
discovering truth and detecting error. A " rusty " Mason 
should never attempt to examine a stranger ; and certainly 
if he does, his opinion is worth nothing. If the informa- 
tion given is on the ground that the party who is vouched 



464 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

for has been sitting. in a Lodge, care must be taken t& 
inquire, if it was a "just and legally constituted body of 
Master Masons ?" Any person may forget, from the lapse 
of time, and vouch for a stranger as a Master Mason, 
when the Lodge in which he saw him was only opened 
in the first or second degree. Information given by letter 
or through a third person is irregular. The person giv- 
ing the information, the one receiving it, and the one to 
whom it is given, should all be present at the time, for 
otherwise there would be no certainty of identity. The 
information must be positive, not founded on belief or 
opinion, but derived from a legitimate source. And lastly, 
it must not have been received casually, but for the very 
purpose of being used for Masonic purposes. For one 
to say to another, in the course of a desultory conversa- 
tion, "A. B. is a Mason," is not sufficient. He may 
not be speaking with due caution, under the expectation 
that his words will be considered of weight. He must 
say something to this effect, "I know this man to be a 
Master Mason," for such or such reasons, " and you may 
safely recognize him as such." This alone will ensure 
the necessary care and proper observance of caution. 
Never should an unjustifiable delicacy weaken the rigor 
of these rules. Remember, that for the wisest and most 
evident reasons, the merciful maxim of the law, which 
says, "it is better that ninety-nine guilty men should 
escape, than that one innocent man should be punished," 
is with us, reversed, and that inJVTasonry it is better that 
ninety-nine true men should be turned away from the 
door of a Lodge, than that one cowan should be ad- 
mitted." (Port-Folio.) 



RESOLUTION'S, DECISIONS, ETC. 465 

ADJOURNED MEETINGS. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. VI, page 11.) 

" Ques. — If a Lodge meets on the regular stated night 
and adjourns to the next night to finish business, can any 
business that could have been transacted on the first night, 
be transacted on the second or adjourned night — the Lodge 
being at Refreshment ? 

"Ans. — Business that pertains to a stated meeting can- 
not be done at a called meeting. But if the Lodge has 
not time to finish its business on the stated meeting, it 
may adjourn to another evening to finish the work of the 
stated meeting. But no new business can be introduced." 

EMERGENCY. 
(From the Masonic Review, Vol. VI, page 11.) 

" Ques. — Can a petition be received at any time only 
at a regular stated meeting, though it be decided a case 
of emergency, and can the emergency exist before the 
petition is filed, so as to receive it at any time ? 

" Ans. — As a general rule, a petition cannot be received 
at a called meeting except a dispensation be had from the 
Grand Master. An emergency may exist before the 
petition is filed, but it must be received before the Lodge 
can act upon it so as to declare it a case of emergency." 

THE MOVABLE JEWELS. 
(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. I, page 120.) 

" On each side of the Blazing Star are disposed the 
Compass, Square, Level and Plumb, which are called 
the Movable Jeivcls, because they distinguish the Officers 
of the Lodge, and are transferable to their successors." 



466 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. I, page 122.) 

"The mind of man would be his Compass; his conduct 
would be squared by strict rectitude and justice toward his 
fellow creatures ; his demeanor would be marked by the 
level of courtesy and kindness; while uprightness of 
heart and integrity of actions, symbolized by the plumb, 
would be his distinguishing characteristic; and thus, 
guided by the Movable Jewels of Masonry, he might 
descend the vale of life with joy, in the hope of being 
accepted by the Most High, as a successful candidate 
for admission into the Grand Lodge above." 

(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. II, page 195.) 

"The movable jewels used in the construction of the 
Temple, consisting of gold and silver vessels and other 
sacred utensils, amounted to £6,904,822,500: and the 
value of the stones, timber, ivory, brass, iron and other 
materials, which were classed under the head of fixtures, 
or immovable jewels, to £150,000,000." 

THE IMMOVABLE JEWELS. 
(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. I, page 100.) 

" The W. Master's Tracing Board is near the Blazing 
Star, while the corresponding Immovable Jewels are 
considerably higher up toward the east ; the one called 
The Brute Stone, the other, the pointed Cubical Stone" 

(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. I, page 108.) 

"The immovable jewels were formerly called The 
Trestle Board, the Rough Ashlar, and the Broached 
Tumel. The Tracing Board is for the W. M. to draw 
his designs on; the Eough Ashlar, for the E. A. P. to 
mark and indent on ; and the Perfect Ashlar for the ex- 
perienced F. C. to try and adjust his jewels on." 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 467 

"They are termed Immovable, Jewels, because they 
are distributed in places assigned to 'them in the Lodge 
for the Brethren to moralize upon." 

THE MIDDLE CHAMBER. 
(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. I, page 323.) 

" Along the North, South, and West sides of the Sanc- 
tuary, extended a Gallery three stories high, constructed 
of beams and planks, and to which there was access by 
means of a winding stair. These were in fact a sort of 
aisles. 

" From a passage in the Old York Lectures, it should 
appear that the King conferred some privileges on certain 
of these workmen who were considered worthy of the 
distinction." 

This is the passage. 

" The middle chambers of each row over the Porch 
were totally dark, except the upper story, and appro- 
priated as repositories for the sacred furniture of the 
traveling Tabernacle of Moses, which was there laid 
up, hidden from profane eyes, as the Ark was in the 
Holy of Holies. When the Temple was finished, and a 
short time prior to its dedication, King Solomon per- 
mitted such of the 80,000 Fellowcrafts as had become 
proselytes to the Jewish faith, to ascend to the upper or 
fourth row of chambers in the porch, where the most 
sacred furniture of the Tabernacle had been deposited, 
in the center of which was the famous Middle Chamber ; 
which being symbolical of the divine presence, con- 
tained the celebrated letter which was a symbol of the 
sacred name" — (0. Landmarks, Vol. I, page 431.) 

"The winding stairs is not a transcript of the flight of 
twelve steps which actually led from the Court of the 
Priests to the pillars of the Porch. It was constructed 



468 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

in the wall geometrically, like those which lead to 
the towers of our Churches, and was situated at the east 
end of the gallery, which opened into the treasure cham- 
bers, the entrances to which, were the doors and pas- 
sages connected with the Sanctuary toward the North 
and South of the body of the Temple." — (0. Landmarks, 
Vol. I, page 334.) 

THE THREE PILLARS. 
(From Oliver's Landmarks, Vol. I, page 114.) 

"The three pillars represent the three primitive orders 
in Architecture, the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. By 
their antitypes they form the support of the Lodge, and are 
denominated, Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty; qualities 
which essentially prevailed at the building of King Solo- 
mon's Temple. The plan was the effect of Wisdom 
derived from above, an emblem of the Jewish nation in 
the practice of the true Freemasonry; the execution was 
the application of Strength, derived from the maritime 
City of Tyre, the inhabitants of which practiced the 
spurious Freemasonry, and were the best operative Archi- 
tects in the world ; and the curious and rich workman- 
ship, which lent a charm to this extraordinary edifice, and 
excited the admiration of mankind, was effected by the 
application of Beauty, derived from a union of the two 
countries in the person of an expert architect named 
Hiram. 

"These pillars bear a reference to an edifice of much 
greater sublimity, and beauty, than even the Temple of 
Solomon. They refer to the workmanship of the great 
Architect of the Universe, in the construction, not only 
of our Sun, and its attendant planets, but also of those 
innumerable systems that occupy infinite space. With 
such a vast impression on our minds, how beautifully 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 469 

does the Masonic illustration of Wisdom, Strength and 
Beauty apply. The Universe is the Temple of the 
Deity whom we serve. Wisdom, Strength and Beauty 
are about his throne as pillars of his work ; for his wis- 
dom is infinite, his strength is in Omnipotence, and 
Beauty shines forth through all his creation in symmetry 
and order. He hath stretched forth the Heavens as a 
Canopy, and the Earth he has placed as his footstool; 
he crowns his temple with stars, as with a diadem, and 
in his hand he extendeth the power and the glory; the 
sun and moon are messengers of his will, and all his law 
is concord. The pillars supporting the Lodge are re- 
presentatives of these divine powers ; and a Lodge, where 
true Masons are assembled, represents these works of 
the Deity." 

DEGREES FOR FEMALES. 
(From the Masonic Union, Vol. I, page 115.) 

" There is a tradition that Masonry was used among 
the Waldenses, a sect of Christians inhabiting the re- 
cesses of the Alps, and that females of full age, their 
wives and daughters, were admitted into the fraternity 
formally. They were persecuted by the Church of 
Eome and the Catholic Princes, as Heretics, and used 
Masonry as a means of communication with one another, 
and of mutual aid and protection to each other and their 
families. 

" We have, in this country, three degrees that are con- 
ferred upon females. 'The Master Mason's Daughter,' 
< The True Kinsman,' and 'The Heroine of Jericho;' 
the latter upon the wives or widows of Royal Arch Ma- 
sons; the two former upon M. Masons' wives, widows 
and daughters. The Daughter's degree ought only to 
be conferred upon those who are the daughters of M. 



470 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

Masons; but it is sometimes, though doubtless, impro- 
perly, conferred on wives. The design of these degrees 
is to furnish females with a sure means of making them- 
selves known to Masons, and obtaining the aid and 
benefits secured to them by the connection of their 
fathers or husbands with the Institution; to encourage 
and promote social intercourse between those females 
having fathers and husbands in the Institution, and to 
enable them to understand something of the true nature 
and character of the Institution to which their male rela- 
tives are so strongly attached, and give so much attention. 

" In these degrees the purest morals, the highest religious 
duties, and the most decided devotion to one another, are 
taught. They are founded upon events connected with 
the history and the high mysteries of Eeligion. Moral 
duty and friendly interest in one another are their chief 
lessons, as connected with, and subordinate to, religious 
duty. 

"The Heroine of Jericho is founded upon an event 
which is authenticated by Scripture, and occurred so 
early as the transit of the Israelites into Canaan, under 
Joshua. Historically, it claims to have been practiced 
in Scotland in the, time of Sir William Wallace. It was 
introduced into Connecticut in the commencement of the 
present century. Intrinsically, it is not of as much value, 
nor near so interesting as the other two degrees. The 
others have more recently been introduced into this coun- 
try from France. But they differ materially in substance, 
as well as in name, from the French degrees of adoption. 
They are Anglicized. The bare skeleton of them, pro- 
bably, reached this country. They were deemed of 
advantage, and being unknown and uncultivated here, 
were supplied with an American or English ceremonial, 
adapting them to this land, language and state of society. 



RESOLUTIONS, DECISIONS, ETC. 471 

As such they are conferred, more or less, in New York, 
Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, 
and perhaps other states. 

" Whether ancient or modern in their origin, these two 
are beautiful in character, excellent in design and adapta- 
tion, and useful in their effect. The Daughter's degree 
is founded upon an event occurring in the time of Christ; 
and the other upon an event which occurred much earlier 
in Jewish history. Both are historical events recorded 
in Scripture. The character of the degrees partake of 
the character of the events upon which they are founded, 
as do all other Masonic degrees ; and no one, acquainted 
with them, can say there is any harm in them. They 
are not Craft Masonry; but they are the spirit of virtue, 
morality, religion, and sisterly love. Why then should 
they not be generally recognized, and generally con- 
ferred? They use the emblem of Masonry in the sense 
of their moral and religious teachings ; but they convey 
no knowledge of any secret of York, Scottish, French or 
Ancient Rite Masonry. They assimilate, but do not 
coincide, except in moral, religious and social duties; and 
are not these the same to both sexes? 

"They should always be conferred at, that is, in a 
Lodge-room, with the observance of ceremony and order; 
but never in a Master's, or any other Lodge of Specula- 
tive or Craft Masons. None but Masters, Wardens, or 
Past Masters, ought ever to confer them. It is enough that 
some well-known Mason vouches for the female candidate 
as possessing the proper claim to the degree. A record 
should be kept and filed in the Lodge. No charge 
should ever be made for conferring them. They are by 
their constitution, free. All Master Masons should 
possess them. All Royal Arch Masons should possess 



472 THE MYSTIC CIRCLE. 

the K. of Jericho. This is adoption Masonry as it now 
exists in the United States." — 0. L., v. 3, p. £6. 

"In 1730, Female Lodges were instituted, and in 
1743, the Order of Perfect Happiness, to which ladies 
were admitted, made its appearance. This Order had 
symbols, and a vocabulary, which were exclusively 
nautical. The Candidate was said to make a voyage to 
the Island of Felicity, under the pilotage of the Brethren. 
It had four degrees, called — 1. Cabin Boy; 2. Master 
of the Vessel; 3. The Chief of the Squadron; 4. The 
Vice-Admiral. The Grand Master was termed the 
Admiral. The oaths, both for males and females, are 
curious. A Schism in the Order produced another Lodge, 
the members styling themselves c Knights and Ladies 
of the Anchor.'" 



THE END 



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